Smallpox is not transmitted by insects or animals. The chance of being exposed to smallpox is very small. Though there is no treatment, it is known that giving a person the vaccine even a short time after exposure (within 3 days) gives some protection against smallpox.
For some people with cancer, the risk of having smallpox may become higher than the risks linked to the vaccine if they are actually exposed to smallpox. In the past, about 1 in 3 people with smallpox died, so the disease itself can be deadly. In cases like this, vaccinating after exposure can help.
Even so, there are some people who still may not be able to get vaccinated even if they have been exposed to smallpox. Anyone who has a reason to get the smallpox vaccine should first discuss the risks and benefits with a doctor.
You can find the CDC’s information about smallpox, the vaccine, and their smallpox outbreak plan on their Web site at http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox or call them at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or TTY 1-888-232-6348.
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