[NautiNurse]

You get the vaccination BEFORE the outbreak - after is too late

The incubation period for smallpox is roughly 12-14 days. The smallpox vaccine is considered effective administered up to five days following exposure (before the rash appears).

Interesting reading: The Vaccine Reaction--What Every American Needs to Know

[SCalGal]

"The incubation period for smallpox is roughly 12-14 days. The smallpox vaccine is considered effective administered up to five days following exposure (before the rash appears)."

Considering that the government cannot even manage to send bullets with the national guard (LA riots), I wouldn't trust them to get vaccines to us within 5 days of exposure.

Best to be prepared - that means get vaccinated ahead of time.