Small Pox Vaccine....

fergy1370

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Not too far off in the future, I'm going to be offered this shot. What are ya'll thoughts about it? I had the vaccination when I was a kid, but I don't know if I'm still immune. I keep hearing mixed reviews about it and I really haven't made my mind up about it....

Would you take it if its offered?
 
In your line of work, fergy, I would do it.........mine, probably not.:) I heard the vaccine is good for about 20 yrs.
 
I would in a minute. Sure it may not work for everyone, and I believe they said it could be harmful to 1 in 100,000. But why not try and protect yourself? I think its foolish to not atleast consider it.
 
Fergy, depending when you got your first vaccination, your immunity may have worn off. The vaccine is only good for 10 years, 15 max. If you are close to this number, consider your immunity gone. Other factors to consider, your overall general health and phyisical condition. In your line of work,I would assume that your are healthy and in good shape. Your past medical history also plays a factor. If you have ever had liver problems (hepatitis) or chronic lung problems(severe asthma, severe bronchitis, emphysema) The answer is no, don't take it. If you have an immune system problem or are on immuno-suppressive therapy ( aids, lupus or having chemo for cancer) you are not elligable for the vaccine. In these cases, it WILL kill you. Most people will suffer mild side effects. They are: swelling, redness, tenderness, hot feeling at the injection site. Fever, sweating, general flu-like symptoms for 24 to 36 hours after the shot. There can also be a rather large scar left afterward (about the size of a quarter).
About 2% to 4% of people will experience medium to severe symptoms. These are like the mild ones only stronger. Those with severe symptoms are usually hospitalized, due to the fever and dehydration that occurs.
Ok, after all that, here is something else to think about. If you become infected with smallpox, there is no drug or therapy to cure you. It must run it's course. The side effects of the diesease can be treated, (Itching, fever, dehydration) but the disease can not. In 85% (approx) of the cases it is fatal.

I 'm sorry but I can't say wheather or not you should take it. All I can do is give you some information. I will say that in my personal case, I am not able to take it as I am on immuno- therapy.

Considering your line of work and the proximity to DC, I would think seriously about this. Whatever you decide, remember to be careful out there and thanks for keeping a part of the country safe for the rest of us. If you need more infor please don'r hesitate to let me know. I know this is long, but I hope it helped.
 
I have seen pictures of people with small pox. Looks pretty rough and deadly. So I would take it if there was a need for it.
 
Thanks for all the info, NW! I'll probably take it, the only thing that had me concerned was how fast it has been produced and I also remember some buddies of mine who were in the Gulf War that were vaccinated. They all came back with a permanent side effects ranging from memory loss to rashes.

Thanks again! And also to everyone else who posted.
 
Fergy, this last batch of vaccine is a second generation group. While it is mass produced, each dose is vertually identical (like cloning) The stuff used in the gulf war was old, made from the original samples from the 60's. The side effects from second generation doses should not be as severe as the ones your buddies had.
 
Fergy, at work this past week, they gave us our talk about how they would give us all Potassium Iodide Anti-Radiation Pills if we would give our consent. However, they would only give out such pills after they were needed. Duh, if a bomb goes off within our area, do you reckon I'll have time to get back to the office and find a supervisor that will find the pills and give me one? Kind of dumb, but I did sign the consent form. :)
 
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