Factors Affecting Smallpox Vaccine Response
Author Information
Author(s): Bossi Philippe, Gay Frédérick, Fouzai Imène, Combadière Béhazine, Brousse Geneviève, Lebrun-Vignes Bénédicte, Crance Jean-Marc, Autran Brigitte, Garin Daniel
Primary Institution: Department of Infectious Diseases, University Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris VI, Paris, France
Hypothesis
What demographic and clinical factors are associated with successful vaccination defined by the presence of a pustule at the inoculation site?
Conclusion
Previously vaccinated volunteers can be successfully revaccinated with the Lister strain of the smallpox vaccine.
Supporting Evidence
- 95.6% of volunteers showed successful vaccination at day 8.
- The median size of the pustule was 5 mm.
- Age and presence of axillary adenopathy were correlated with pustule size.
Takeaway
This study found that people who had been vaccinated against smallpox before can get vaccinated again successfully, and most of them showed a good response.
Methodology
The study prospectively analyzed 226 volunteers who were revaccinated and assessed for vaccination success based on the presence of a pustule at the inoculation site.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias as only preimmunized volunteers were included.
Limitations
The study only included volunteers who had previously been vaccinated, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 45 years, with a sex ratio of 2.7 (male to female).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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