DHSS Press Release

DPH TO MONITOR SMALLPOX VACCINE RECIPIENTS FOR HEART PROBLEMS

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) will begin monitoring smallpox vaccine recipients and potential recipients for heart problems after a Maryland health professional died of a heart attack five days after being vaccinated. None of Delaware's 87 smallpox vaccinees have reported adverse reactions, including heart problems.

From the inception of Delaware's smallpox vaccination program last month, DPH's vaccination procedures have included a review of each individual's health history to rule out conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and chronic diseases that compromise immunity, in accordance with the CDC's recommendations.

As a precaution, the CDC now recommends that individuals with known cardiac disease -- cardiomyopathy, previous myocardial infarction, history of angina, or other evidence of coronary artery disease -- not be vaccinated as health response team members in the smallpox pre-event vaccination program. Vaccination of other health professionals should continue as planned.

In response to this recommendation, DPH will begin screening all potential vaccinees for a history of heart disease to eliminate them from the vaccination program. In addition, all current Delaware vaccinees who are still within the normal 21-day reaction time period are hospital employees who receive daily evaluation from their hospital's infection control or occupational health program as a matter of procedure. This provides an added level assurance that their condition is monitored. DPH staff also will contact all vaccinated persons in Delaware who are within the 21-day reaction time period and advise them of the potential complications among vaccinees with heart disease.

Using age distribution data of vaccinees and 2000 age-specific, all-cause mortality rates, the CDC said that, nationwide, two deaths are expected by chance alone within three weeks of vaccination among individuals 45-54 years of age. An additional two to three deaths are expected nationwide among vaccinees 55-64 years of age. CDC said that, among individuals 45-64 years of age, one death due to cardiac causes is expected to occur nationwide within three weeks of vaccination.

CDC also reports that data from recent smallpox vaccinations shows an association between vaccination and myopericarditis, or inflammation of the heart tissue. Individuals receiving smallpox vaccine should be informed that myopericarditis is a potential complication of smallpox vaccination and that they should seek medical attention if they develop chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of cardiac disease within two weeks after vaccination.

There are no plans to provide smallpox vaccination to the general public at this time.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.