Third-generation smallpox vaccines such as IMVAMUNE®, are being developed as a safe and effective vaccine without the complications associated with traditional smallpox vaccines. These vaccines are based on a strain of the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus, which was used during the smallpox eradication campaigns in Germany in the 1970’s. More than 120,000 people known to have a high risk of developing complications from the traditional smallpox vaccine were pre-vaccinated with MVA and ten days later the Lister-Elstree vaccine in order to reduce the side-effects of the latter. All tolerated the regime, proving MVA to be safe and effective.
Second-generation smallpox vaccines are produced using the Lister-Elstree or New York City Board of Health vaccinia strains in qualified cell cultures according to good manufacturing practice standards. However these vaccines are documented with causing complications and not suitable for immune compromised individuals (people with HIV, undergoing cancer treatment or organ transplantation, with eczema or psoriasis, the very young and old, or who are pregnant).
First-generation smallpox vaccines are those harvested directly from animals. While history has shown them to be effective, they often contain impurities and bacteria that greatly increase the chance of reaction and/or complications. Also, similar to second generation vaccines, they cannot be given to immune-compromised individuals (people with HIV, undergoing cancer treatment or organ transplantation, with eczema or psoriasis, the very young and old, or who are pregnant).
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