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Two of my children qualified to participate in an experimental smallpox trial last summer. One child formed an enormous pustule... about the size of a gumball (like in those machines at the grocery store.) The other child formed multiple pustules. My question is, what are the chances that those of us living in close quarters with these children will recieve some sort of resitual immunity? I was last immunized in 1960 and my husband in 1970 (or thereabouts, during Vietnam War.) There are 5 other children in the household that have never been innoculated.

Also, what are the chances this could really happen? If it did happen, what would be the best thing to do to protect and care for your family?

Chances are, if we did get infected by a smallpox attack, we would be quarantined and kept in a sealed perimeter.

Vaccine would be in short supply... Marshall Law comes to mind.

In this war, civilians will be on the front line as well as the military... easier targets.

from one momma to another . . .

Since I have unvaccinated children, I am curious about your experience (if you don't mind telling me). The size of the single pustule sounds about right (the one in the CDC photo seems smaller than I remember - you should have seen mine - scary! My mom's was even worse - her scar is a little larger than a quarter but smaller than a 50 cent piece, on her upper thigh - that's where they did it in those days).

Were the multiple pustules all in the area of the inoculation, or elsewhere? If elsewhere, is it possible that they were spread by touching the inoculation site?

Any other side effects or lasting consequences? Did you isolate the two children from the others?

Thanks. My husband and I are in the same boat as you - multiple vaccinations in the 60s and 70s. He was done at least 3 times, I must have been vaccinated half a dozen times (that happens when you go to places like Haiti), but not all of them "took".