While Monkeypox cases climbing, many people who were vaccinated for smallpox are wondering if that will protect them against monkeypox.
We got this question from viewer Lynda O. she writes:
Does the smallpox vaccine given to children prior to 1972 confer immunity to Monkeypox?
The CDC said Monkeypox is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, and smallpox vaccines can provide some protection against Monkeypox.
Right now, the two smallpox vaccines on the market are also being used to protect against monkeypox and given to people who are considered high risk. The CDC said past data shows the smallpox vaccine is 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.
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But what happens if you got the smallpox vaccine decades ago? The CDC said routine smallpox vaccinations stopped in 1972 after the disease was eradicated in the U.S., which means smallpox vaccines are no longer routinely given to the general public.
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