Continuing mortality and morbidity from smallpox vaccination

Abstract

Three cases of cross-infection after smallpox vaccination are described, in two of which the outcome was fatal. Probably all occurred because simple precautions were not observed at the time of vaccination—for example, exclusion of contraindications and warnings about risks. If those countries still requiring evidence of vaccination for entry were to abolish this rule, however, the risk of cross-infection could be eliminated. Vaccinating a person with contraindications is justified only when exposure to smallpox has occurred. © 1979, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.