Fever, mild rash, and blisters on the body are a few smallpox vaccine side effects. As this eMedTV page explains, there is also a risk of developing severe side effects, such as encephalitis, that can lead to serious complications.
Who should not get the smallpox vaccine? As this eMedTV article explains, the vaccine should be avoided by pregnant women, people with skin problems, and people with heart problems. This page also lists some of the risks of the smallpox vaccine.
People with atopic dermatitis should avoid the smallpox vaccine. This eMedTV page explains how the smallpox vaccination (or contact with someone who recently had the vaccination) can lead to serious complications in people who have atopic dermatitis.
In this eMedTV article, you will learn how to prevent the spread of the virus used in the smallpox vaccine. For example, it is important to bandage the vaccination site and avoid touching it. This page talks about preventing smallpox vaccine spread.
