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Multiple Choice

What is the immunization available for smallpox and a major contraindication?

Smallpox protection is achieved with a live vaccinia-based vaccine. The most important contraindication is severe eczema or dermatitis, because the vaccinia virus can spread from the vaccination site and cause serious infections in people with compromised skin, a reaction known as eczema vaccinatum. This makes someone with severe eczema a high-risk candidate, so they should not be vaccinated. The other vaccines listed (varicella and MMR) protect against different diseases and do not guard against smallpox. There is indeed a smallpox vaccine used in certain public health scenarios, but it’s not given routinely to everyone.

Smallpox protection is achieved with a live vaccinia-based vaccine. The most important contraindication is severe eczema or dermatitis, because the vaccinia virus can spread from the vaccination site and cause serious infections in people with compromised skin, a reaction known as eczema vaccinatum. This makes someone with severe eczema a high-risk candidate, so they should not be vaccinated. The other vaccines listed (varicella and MMR) protect against different diseases and do not guard against smallpox. There is indeed a smallpox vaccine used in certain public health scenarios, but it’s not given routinely to everyone.