The Unexpected Link: 3 ways Smallpox Vaccination Shields Against MPOX -written by Poonam Chanchlani (BCA, Data Science)

Amid the global spread of monkeypox, the populace has shifted from curiosity about the virus to a critical question:  "How can I safeguard myself?" The U.S. government maintains a substantial vaccine stockpile designed to shield against both smallpox and monkeypox . However, vaccination may not be universally accessible or necessary. Let's delve into the complex realm of these vaccines and their efficacy.
 

Smallpox Vaccination Offers Some Defense:

Hannah Newman, MPH, Director of Epidemiology at Lenox Hill Hospital, has shed light on an intriguing link. "Vaccination against smallpox also protects against monkeypox," she revealed. Remarkably, individuals who received the smallpox vaccine in the past may still harbor a degree of immunity or, at the very least, enjoy some protection against milder monkeypox symptoms if infected.

 

A Legacy of Protection:

Smallpox vaccination ceased to be a routine practice in the U.S. in 1972, following the successful eradication of the disease. Nonetheless, the government maintains a substantial smallpox vaccine reserve, primarily due to bioterrorism concerns. This reserve could theoretically inoculate all Americans if a future outbreak occurs.
 

Partial Shield Against Monkeypox:

While the smallpox vaccine does offer some protection against monkeypox, the extent remains unclear. A 2007 study published in Clinical and Vaccine Immunology revealed that childhood smallpox vaccination doesn't provide full immunity to monkeypox but does grant partial defense. Researchers also observed that individuals previously vaccinated against smallpox who contracted monkeypox experienced milder symptoms. Nevertheless, the rate at which this protection diminishes, especially against monkeypox, remains a mystery.

 

In essence, the smallpox vaccine could play an unforeseen role in mitigating the impact of monkeypox outbreaks. However, the exact level of protection it offers, particularly against monkeypox, remains shrouded in uncertainty. As the world grapples with the resurgence of infectious diseases, the connection between past vaccinations and contemporary viral threats underscores the intricacies of immunity.