Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Smallpox

The last known case of naturally occurring smallpox occurred in Somalia in 1977. Three years later the World Heath Organization (WHO) published the Declaration of the Global Eradication of Smallpox. Immunization programs were terminated shortly afterwards. Eradication of this dreaded disease was one of the most significant advances in public health in the 20th century.

The occurrence of a single case of smallpox anywhere in the world is a global emergency. WHO's Executive Board has endorsed a commitment by all countries to provide mutual assistance in the event of the identification of a case.

For research purposes, remaining virus stocks are kept in two WHO reference laboratories in the United States and Russia. There are concerns that other countries may have access to the virus, particularly in the light of previous terrorist events.

There is currently no evidence to support routine smallpox immunization of the general Canadian population. The threat of dissemination of small-pox virus as a biological weapon is unknown but is believed to be very small. In the current environment groups at greatest potential risk include laboratory workers who may handle orthopox viruses and first responders to a suspected case or outbreak, such as ambulance attendants, hospital emergency room staff and other health care workers. Laboratories wishing to vaccinate their staff should contact the Director of the Office of Public Health Security, Centre of Emergency Preparedness and Response (CEPR), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) at tel: (613) 941-6195 to obtain additional information and/or to request the necessary forms.

The Canadian Smallpox Contingency Plan is updated as necessary by the Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP), CEPR, PHAC, in consultation with the provinces and territories. The plan includes recommendations for action to be taken if a case of smallpox occurs in Canada or elsewhere in the world. Copies of the plan can be requested by contacting the Director of OEP at tel: (613) 946-7003.

For further information on smallpox vaccine, please see the Statement on Smallpox Vaccination published in the Canada Communicable Disease Report (15 January, 2002, volume 28, ACS-1) or available at http://www.naci.gc.ca.

Source: Canadian Immunization Guide, 7^th edition, 2006

Links to more information

Guidelines and Recommendations

• For information about Smallpox vaccine, see the Canadian Immunization Guide, 7^th edition 2006

Additional Resources

• Emergency Preparedness - Smallpox