Smallpox in special cases (pregnancy, children, elderly)

Smallpox is eradicated, so these risks no longer occur naturally. This page explains how the disease affected different groups, and how they would be protected in an emergency.

Pregnancy Pregnant women were at the highest risk of severe disease, including the hemorrhagic form. Infection often caused miscarriage, stillbirth or early delivery, and the baby could be infected. In an emergency, pregnant women exposed to the virus would be offered the vaccine, since the risk of disease outweighs the risk of vaccination, under medical guidance. Vaccine is not given for routine reasons during pregnancy.

Children Infants and young children had higher rates of severe disease and death in the past. Children could also develop bone and joint infection. In an emergency, vaccination of children would be decided by public health authorities, with extra care for infants and children with eczema or weak immunity.

Older adults Older people and those with other illnesses were more likely to develop serious complications and die. Vaccine side effects are also more likely in people with heart disease or weak immunity, so medical guidance is needed.

People with weak immunity or skin disease People with HIV, cancer treatment, transplant medicines or eczema may be at risk of serious reactions to the vaccine. They would receive tailored advice.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Texts advise special care for the very young, the old and the pregnant during eruptive fevers. This is traditional guidance, and cannot replace medical care.

Safety Do not give herbs, oils or home treatments to infants or pregnant women for any rash illness without medical advice. A fever with blisters needs a doctor, and breathlessness or bleeding needs 112.

Remember Smallpox hit pregnant women, infants and the frail hardest. They would be first to be protected in any emergency.