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The World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated in 1980 following global vaccination with vaccinia. Vaccinia has potentially serious side effects especially in immunocompromised persons and in those with atopy. Because concern remains about intentional or accidental release of smallpox, biodefense authorities deemed development of a safe, effective smallpox vaccine a priority.
Modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) replicates for one cycle in mammalian cells and was shown previously to be safe and immunogenic. In an open-label, phase 3, manufacturer-sponsored clinical trial, investigators have now tested the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of MVA at reducing the “take” (injection-site infection that occurs following vaccinia injectio…