What is smallpox and where can I get the vaccine?

Smallpox is a contagious viral infection spread by direct person-to-person contact. The last known case of smallpox occurred in Somalia in 1977. The World Health Organization has certified smallpox as eradicated from the planet. Symptoms include fever, aches, vomiting and a distinctive rash. Although there is no treatment, vaccination after exposure can be helpful and decreases the spread of the disease.

The United States maintains an emergency stockpile of smallpox vaccine. Smallpox vaccine is supplied only to certain laboratory workers who are at risk for smallpox viruses as a result of their occupation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is not allowed to release smallpox vaccine to any other person for any reason. In the absence of a confirmed case of smallpox anywhere in the world, there is no need to be vaccinated against smallpox. The military provides smallpox vaccine to their members, and others in health care have also received the vaccine.