Did you get a smallpox packet from the CDC?

renerian, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2003

No I have not gotten anything yet but I will keep my eyes peeled.

renerian

sbic56, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2003

Originally posted by renerian
No I have not gotten anything yet but I will keep my eyes peeled.

renerian

Yup... we should all be getting it, I would think. It was well done with a budget.

sjoe · Mar 9, 2003

Nope. In it did they mention whether there is a test/titre/whatever to see whether one's previous smallpox vaccination is still effective?

So far I have heard only vague ramblings about childhood vaccinations "maybe" not still being effective after 10, or 20, or 30 or whatever years, but nothing solid about this information at all.

It may well be the case that those of us who were vaccinated as children may still be protected. Where's the research or lab data that tells us?

Q. · Mar 9, 2003

I got one yesterday.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2003

Originally posted by sjoe
Nope. In it did they mention whether there is a test/titre/whatever to see whether one's previous smallpox vaccination is still effective?

So far I have heard only vague ramblings about childhood vaccinations "maybe" not still being effective after 10, or 20, or 30 or whatever years, but nothing solid about this information at all.

It may well be the case that those of us who were vaccinated as children may still be protected. Where's the research or lab data that tells us?

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/vaccination/facts.asp

Length of Protection

Smallpox vaccination provides high level immunity for 3 to 5 years and decreasing immunity thereafter. If a person is vaccinated again later, immunity lasts even longer. Historically, the vaccine has been effective in preventing smallpox infection in 95% of those vaccinated. In addition, the vaccine was proven to prevent or substantially lessen infection when given within a few days of exposure. It is important to note, however, that at the time when the smallpox vaccine was used to eradicate the disease, testing was not as advanced or precise as it is today, so there may still be things to learn about the vaccine and its effectiveness and length of protection.

There was nothing about our old vacs being effective in that mailer. I found the above statement on the cdc website after really searching. No way am I still immune...not that they are very clear in their literature.

nurse2002 · Mar 9, 2003

Yuk, smallpx vaccine.

I forget about them sometimes. I patted a fellow nurse on the arm the other night and had to go RUN and wash my hands cause everyone just got the vaccine who anted it. The area was covered.

Audreyfay · Mar 9, 2003

I got mine a couple of days ago. Hubby is concerned that the government "knows something" that they don't want to let out right at this point.

sunnygirl272 · Mar 9, 2003

i did not get one in the mail...i am going to my train the trainer training monday....

psychonurse · Mar 9, 2003

I haven't gotten anything yet but since I live out in the middle of nowhere, I guess they think that I have nothing to worry about and if I had a vaccination, should I get another one or what?????? I think that the governement should know all that before they start sending it out to everyone I should think...... :rolleyes:

Kayzee · Mar 9, 2003

Received mine a few days ago. What bad side effects, yuk.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Mar 9, 2003

I got mine Friday. I'm wondering, did they send one of these to every doctor and nurse in the country, or just some in each state?

I hadn't heard the CDC was planning to do this, but I'm glad to have the information.