Smallpox Vaccine (Injection Route)

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Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Feeling unusually cold
• Shivering
• Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Blindness
• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin
• Blue or pale skin
• Blurred vision
• Changes in vision
• Chest discomfort
• Chest pain, possibly moving to the left arm, neck, or shoulder
• Confusion
• Convulsions (seizures)
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fast heartbeat
• Fever and chills
• Hallucinations
• Headache
• Irritability
• Itching
• Joint or muscle pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Mood or mental changes
• Red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• Red, irritated eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Skin rash that is encrusted, scaly, and oozing
• Sore throat
• Sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• Stiff neck
• Tightness in the chest
• Trouble breathing
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Vomiting
• Wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Decreased ability to exercise
• Difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• Difficulty with moving
• Flushing or redness of the skin
• General feeling of discomfort or illness
• Itching, pain, redness, or swelling at the vaccine site
• Muscle aching or cramping
• Muscle stiffness
• Nausea
• Rash
• Swollen joints
• Unusually warm skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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