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In reply to the discussion: Is Monkeypox related to Smallpox? [View all]

womanofthehills

(9,360 posts)
13. Lots of studies claim smallpox shots last a lifetime
Fri Aug 19, 2022, 03:28 PM
Aug 2022

Adults like yourself who received the smallpox vaccine during the nationwide program that was in effect from the late 1940s until 1972 are believed to have continuing immunity. This includes members of the U.S. military, who continued to receive smallpox vaccinations until 1991.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that, based on past data collected in Africa, the smallpox vaccine is at least 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. However, since this situation is so new, the precise degree of protection is not known. Researchers say that while older adults who have been vaccinated against smallpox may be susceptible to monkeypox infection, they are likely to experience only mild symptoms. The data show that the majority of healthy adults who become infected do not become severely ill. And to your question about smallpox boosters, no, they are not available. https://connect.uclahealth.org/2022/07/25/adults-with-smallpox-vaccine-may-have-immunity-from-monkeypox/

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