Follow-up of cardiovascular adverse events after smallpox vaccination among civilians in the United States, 2003

Clin Infect Dis. 2008 Mar 15:46 Suppl 3:S251-7. doi: 10.1086/524741.

Abstract

Limited information exists regarding intermediate or long-term consequences of cardiac adverse events (CAEs) after smallpox vaccination. We conducted follow up at 5-12 months after vaccination of 203 US civilian vaccinees who reported a possible CAE. Among 31 of the 33 with confirmed CAEs, at least 1 health-related quality-of-life change persisted for approximately 48%; approximately 87% missed work (average, 11.5 days). Among 168 of the 170 case patients with other reported cardiovascular conditions, at least 1 health-related quality-of-life change persisted for approximately 40%; almost 49% missed work (average, 10.2 days). Almost all vaccinees with possible CAEs were working the same number of hours at follow-up compared with before vaccination. Although intermediate-term consequences among possible postvaccination CAEs were not considered serious, lost days of work and a decline in health-related quality of life at the time of follow-up were common, resulting in personal economic and quality-of-life burden.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems / statistics & numerical data*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Personnel
  • Heart Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Heart Diseases / etiology
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Mass Vaccination / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life
  • Sentinel Surveillance
  • Smallpox Vaccine / adverse effects*
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • DryVax vaccine
  • Smallpox Vaccine