A recent memo has been sent to all Ohio recipients of the smallpox vaccine from the Ohio Department of Health. The memo alerts recent recipients of the vaccine to recent evidence suggesting the smallpox vaccine may contribute to a case of heart inflammation (myocarditis), inflammation of the membrane covering the heart (pericarditis) and a combination of the two problems (myopericarditis). Angina and myocardial infarction have also been reported following the smallpox vaccine in a small number of cases. It is not known if the vaccination caused these problems or if they occurred by chance alone. Experts with the CDC and their advisors are exploring these issues in more depth.
Current CDC recommendations include:
* Anyone who has received the smallpox vaccine and develops chest pains, shortness of
breath or other symptoms of cardiac disease after vaccination should see a healthcare
provider immediately
* Anyone who has been diagnosed by a doctor as having heart disease or risk factors for
heart disease specialist or regular health care provider if they have questions or
concerns. All people with heart disease or risk factors should receive the routine
care recommended for person with these conditions.
The CDC is also recommending that persons with known cardiac disease, such as cardiomyopathy., previous heart attack, history of angina, or other evidence of coronary artery disease be temporarily deferred from receiving the smallpox vaccinations. CDC will provide states with simple questions about heart problems to use in screening people volunteering for smallpox vaccination.
For more information regarding the smallpox vaccine please
visit the AMC/NOMA's Web site www.amcnoma.org and
click on Bioterrorism.