Lack of vaccinia viremia after smallpox vaccination

Although the transmission of certain viral infections ( human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C viruses, and West Nile virus) through donated blood products is well described, the risk of transmitting vaccinia virus after smallpox vaccination is unknown. Blood samples from patients receiving the smallpox vaccine were obtained before vaccination; then from one-half of the study group on alternate days for each of the first 10 days after vaccination; then from all patients on days 14 and 21 after vaccination. Samples were analyzed by culture, polymerase chain reaction, and antigen detection ( electrochemiluminescence) assay for the presence of vaccinia virus. Two hundred and twenty samples from 28 volunteers were processed by all 3 laboratory detection methods and all were negative for the presence of vaccinia virus ( confidence interval, 0% - 12.3%). Viremia with vaccinia virus after smallpox vaccination appears to be an uncommon occurrence.