Scottish Government

Smallpox vaccination
Scottish Response Group

Information for health care workers administering or receiving the smallpox vaccine

This document is also available in pdf format (285k)

This pack contains information for all health care professionals involved in the first tranche of smallpox vaccinations.

The pack contains information and practical tools needed by vaccinators and vaccinees to carry out vaccinations and ensure optimal follow-up. Included are a tracking form for the vaccine, sample vaccination certificate, health diary and national registration form as well as information on the possible complications of the vaccination and their treatment.

Also included are the consent form, information on indemnity and a patient information leaflet.

Contents

Letter from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer

Administering the smallpox vaccine - what you need to know

Information Sheet 1 Administering the vaccine: key facts for occupational health departments and vaccinators

Information Sheet 2 Vaccine tracking form

Information Sheet 3 Vaccination certificate - sample

Information Sheet 4 WHO guidelines for assessing reaction following smallpox vaccination

Information Sheet 5 Complications of smallpox vaccination

Information Sheet 6 Treatment of complications of smallpox vaccination

Information Sheet 7 Summary of complications and treatments

Information Sheet 8 Further information: glossary and useful websites.

Receiving the smallpox vaccine - what you need to know

Information Sheet 9 Volunteering for the smallpox vaccine: key facts

Information Sheet 10 Frequently asked questions

Information Sheet 11 Indemnity/compensation information

Information Sheet 12 Compensation scheme

Information Sheet 13 Consent form for vaccination

Information Sheet 14 Post-vaccination information

Information Sheet 15 Health diary - sample

Information Sheet 16 National registration form - sample

Patient information leaflet - dried smallpox vaccine

Letter

Dear Colleague

Smallpox Vaccination for Scottish Response Group - Information for Health Care Workers Administering or Receiving the Vaccine

Following a successful world-wide campaign, smallpox was declared eradicated by the World Health Organisation in 1980. Although there is no evidence of a specific or immediate threat of smallpox to the UK, as part of the Government's ongoing preparations against potential terrorist threats, a Scottish Smallpox Response Group is being established.

On a voluntary basis, members of the group will be protected by vaccination in advance, to allow them to react quickly and work safely with patients with actual or suspected smallpox. As indicated in the Interim Guidelines for Smallpox Response and Management in Scotland in the Post-Eradication era, published on 6 December 2002 ( http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/health/spox.pdf), the teams will typically comprise: a Public Health Physician, a Medical Consultant (usually an ID Physician), a Public Health/Infection Control Nurse, a Clinical Nurse with experience in acute emergency medicine, and arrangements for a Paediatrician. Consideration will be given to other groups once these initial vaccinations are complete.

This information pack is for those considering being members of the Scottish Response Group. It contains information for both vaccinators and vaccinees. It includes details of pre-vaccination screening, vaccine administration and subsequent care of the vaccination site as well as information concerning indemnity.

Please take time to familiarise yourself with this important information.

This is just one of the practical positive steps we are taking to protect our population against the threat of a deliberate release of a biological agent.

We are grateful for your continued support.

Yours sincerely