CDC mulls smallpox vaccination scenarios; questions and options on a difficult decision.

The smallpox working group at the recent meeting held by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reviewed a series of issues and questions in a draft document on smallpox vaccination options. Highlights of the document are summarized as follows:

Background

If vaccination were provided pre-event, the rate of adverse events likely would be much lower as vaccination could be deferred for people who have contraindications. People who are immunocompromised because of cancer or its therapy, who have known HIV infection, or who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy can be identified readily and vaccination deferred.

People who are unaware that they are infected with HIV…