Do newborns receive the smallpox vaccine?
May 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Newborns do not need to be vaccinated against smallpox. Smallpox is a contagious disease caused by the variola virus, highly infectious, widespread, and associated with a high mortality rate. Vaccination against smallpox can effectively prevent infection. However, as smallpox has been eradicated worldwide, infants and young children are no longer at risk of contracting the variola virus. Therefore, routine smallpox vaccination for newborns is no longer necessary.
Newborns do not need to receive the smallpox vaccine. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Smallpox is a contagious disease caused by the variola virus. It is highly infectious, widely spread, and has a high mortality rate. The smallpox vaccine was previously administered to infants and children aged 12 months and older. Vaccination effectively prevented infection with the smallpox virus. However, due to the global eradication of smallpox, infants and young children are no longer at risk of contracting the virus. Therefore, it is currently unnecessary to vaccinate newborns against smallpox.
Newborns should receive other vaccines such as hepatitis B vaccine, BCG vaccine, measles vaccine, etc., under the guidance of a qualified physician. After vaccination, caregivers should monitor the infant for any adverse reactions and seek medical attention promptly if necessary.
