RF Ministry of Health, Andzhaparidze Research Institute of Viral Preparations, Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, Moscow; State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk region, Russia
The analysis of the advantages and drawbacks of the earlier system of the vaccinal prophylaxis of smallpox, based on the primary vaccination of children and subsequent revaccinations, is given. As pointed out in this analysis, such system created sufficiently tense collective immunity of the population, but did not prevent the spread of smallpox in cases of its import. Materials on side effects and complications accompanying smallpox vaccination, as well as on the means and methods for their prevention, are presented. These means and methods, though making it possible to considerably decrease the number and severity of complications, did not achieve the radical solution of this problem. On the basis of the presented materials and the experience in the global eradication of smallpox the authors believe it to be expedient to renew the vaccination of contingents with the highest risk of having contacts with this infection, and in cases of its appearance to use the tactics of suppressing smallpox in its foci. The extreme importance of the early detection of cases of the disease with the laboratory verification of the diagnosis is emphasized. Further progress in the improvement of the means and methods for the prophylaxis and control of smallpox can be achieved on the basis of fundamental and applied research.
Zh. Mikrobiol. (Moscow), 2003, No. 6, P. 73—80