Caring for a patient who has received the smallpox vaccine is like caring for any patient in any emergency situation.

Emergency providers should always use Universal Precautions, to include the appropriate wearing of protective clothing and good hand hygiene when providing care to any patient, but especially to those with any wounds, lesions or trauma.

Whether or not they have taken care of a smallpox vaccinated individual, emergency providers who develop any illness or rash should seek care from their healthcare provider. Smallpox vaccine does not contain the smallpox virus. It uses vaccinia virus to provide protection for smallpox.