Smallpox Vaccination Program

Smallpox vaccination in the U.S. and around the world is credited with eliminating the disease by 1980. Routine vaccination for smallpox was discontinued in the U.S. in 1972.

In 2002, the CDC led a program to vaccinate key health care workers across the country, in preparation for a potential smallpox-related bioterrorism event. In Minnesota, almost 1,500 health volunteers were vaccinated. In addition, the U.S. military runs an ongoing smallpox vaccination program.

• CDC: Smallpox Vaccination
  CDC's information on smallpox vaccination, primarily the program to vaccinate key health care professionals in 2002.
• CDC: Smallpox Vaccine: What You Need to Know
  CDC Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) on smallpox in English and other languages. Note that smallpox VIS should be used in conjunction with a packet of five supplements (A through E), which have not been translated.
  
  
• Military Health System: Immunization Healthcare
  The U.S. military continues to vaccinate against smallpox.

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Please report any suspected cases of bioterrorism diseases or symptoms immediately by telephone to MDH at 651-201-5414 or 1-877-676-5414.

High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) Toolbox for Frontline Health Care Facilities
The core of the Toolbox is a new screening algorithm that can be integrated into routine clinical workflows. This algorithm is combined with simple planning, training, and exercise tools that facilities can use and modify to ensure preparedness components are in place and regulatory requirements are met. In addition, an HCID Readiness Binder has been created which contains point of care tools to help aid responses to any suspect HCID situation. This Toolbox will be continually updated in response to user needs. The recommendations in this Toolbox are meant to create a standard for Minnesota Frontline facilities and are not regulatory.

If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.