Smallpox Autoinoculation Via Tattoo in a Soldier

Abstract

Since the National Smallpox Vaccination Program began in 2002, over 2.4 million military servicemembers have been inoculated. Use of bifurcated needles to introduce live vaccinia virus by repeated skin trauma is largely the same process that was first developed over 200 years ago, and is similar to that of tattoo administration. Both tattoos and smallpox inoculation can cause local immune dysregulation, with prior research cautioning further complications if they are placed in the same area within a close timeframe. Here we present the case of a soldier with smallpox autoinoculation, who reported receiving a tattoo directly over his inoculation site 4 days after vaccination. Initial scattered flesh-colored papules evolved over several days to classic umbilicated lesions with additional fevers, chills, myalgias, and suspected secondary infection. Thirteen cases of tattoo and smallpox inoculation complications have been reported in the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) database in 15 years. Current US Army Public Health Command (USAPHC) guidance mandates no new tattoos for 30 days post-inoculation, although the Military Vaccine Agency notes that this period may be extended to a window of greater than 60 days on a case-by-case basis. This incident illustrates the risks of current smallpox vaccination practice and poor patient adherence to post-vaccination care instructions. Continued use of traditional smallpox vaccination administration necessitates increased education and emphasis on proper inoculation site aftercare.