Cutaneous responses to vaccinia in individuals with previous smallpox vaccination.
The durability of immune responses to smallpox vaccine is a subject of considerable debate. We compared cutaneous vaccinia responses in patients vaccinated in the distant past with vaccine-naïve individuals using serial close-up photographs. The previously vaccinated group had a significantly reduced time course and milder cutaneous reactions. Vaccinated individuals appear to maintain clinically detectable immunity against vaccinia for at least 20 years after smallpox vaccination.
Simpson
Eric L
EL
Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Center for Health and Healing (CH16D), 3303 SW Bond Ave, Portland, OR 97239-4501, USA. caroccic@ohsu.edu
Hercher
Michelle
M
Hammarlund
Erika K
EK
Lewis
Matthew W
MW
Slifka
Mark K
MK
Hanifin
Jon M
JM
D000917:Antibody Formation; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D008499:Medical Records; D010781:Photography; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D012899:Smallpox / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors; D014611:Vaccination; D014615:Vaccinia / Q000473:pathology*
D012900:Smallpox Vaccine