Smallpox Vaccine and Adverse Reproductive Health Outcomes in Military Service Members
Abstract
In response to threats of bioterrorism, US military personnel began receiving smallpox vaccinations in 2003. Although some adverse health effects associated with smallpox vaccination are well described, much less has been documented about reproductive health outcomes. Smallpox vaccine, as a live-virus product, has caused fetal vaccinia in rare cases when given in pregnancy. The potential for the product to cause pregnancy loss, birth defects, or other birth problems has not been as well documented, especially in the recent era. To describe the incidence and prevalence of adverse reproductive health outcomes among military service members who received smallpox vaccination. Electronic birth records are accessed directly from the Standard Inpatient Data Record (SIDR), Standard Ambulatory Data Record (SADR), Health Care Service Record (HCSR); immunization data are obtained from the Defense Eligibility and Enrollment System (DEERS). All data are accessed through formal agreements established by the DoD Birth and Infant Health Registry. Using these data, adverse reproductive health outcomes are assessed, including birth defects, pregnancy loss, and infertility among military families exposed to smallpox vaccine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA442817
Entities
People
- Margaret A.K. Ryan
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center