Should smallpox vaccine be tested in children?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Following 9/11, bioterrorism concerns, particularly regarding smallpox, have risen.
• US smallpox vaccination ceased in 1972, leaving most citizens susceptible.
• Stored smallpox virus poses a bioterrorism risk.

Discussion:

• The US has a smallpox vaccination program for adults.
• Current smallpox vaccines have been tested in adults.
• A proposal to test smallpox vaccines in children was not approved.

Key Insights:

• Most US citizens are susceptible to smallpox due to discontinued vaccination.
• Smallpox virus stocks present a bioterrorism threat.
• Pediatric smallpox vaccine safety data is lacking.

Outlook:

• Urgent need to assess smallpox vaccine safety and efficacy in children.
• Ensuring pediatric vaccination readiness for smallpox bioterrorism response.
• Future research should prioritize pediatric clinical trials for smallpox vaccines.