BACKGROUND: Concern about accidental contact transmission after smallpox vaccination has prompted various recommendations regarding vaccination site coverage. METHODS: On days 6-8 after their first-ever smallpox vaccination, 63 adult subjects were randomized to apply a self-adhesive bandage (n=20), gauze with adhesive tape (n=21), or gauze with a semipermeable dressing (n=22) over the vaccination site for a mean of 8+/-2 h. Swabs from the external bandage surfaces and the vaccination sites were then assessed by real time vaccinia-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in blinded fashion. RESULTS: Among 58 subjects completing the study, PCR results were positive for the vaccination site in 55 (94.8%) and on 10 swabs (17.2%) from external bandage surfaces. There were no differences among the 3 bandages (P=.57). CONCLUSIONS: At 7 days after smallpox vaccination, a peak time for vaccinia shedding, a self-adhesive bandage was as effective as 2 bulkier, less convenient bandages in limiting PCR-detectable virus on the external surface.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Concern about accidental contact transmission after smallpox vaccination has prompted various recommendations regarding vaccination site coverage. METHODS: On days 6-8 after their first-ever smallpox vaccination, 63 adult subjects were randomized to apply a self-adhesive bandage (n=20), gauze with adhesive tape (n=21), or gauze with a semipermeable dressing (n=22) over the vaccination site for a mean of 8+/-2 h. Swabs from the external bandage surfaces and the vaccination sites were then assessed by real time vaccinia-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in blinded fashion. RESULTS: Among 58 subjects completing the study, PCR results were positive for the vaccination site in 55 (94.8%) and on 10 swabs (17.2%) from external bandage surfaces. There were no differences among the 3 bandages (P=.57). CONCLUSIONS: At 7 days after smallpox vaccination, a peak time for vaccinia shedding, a self-adhesive bandage was as effective as 2 bulkier, less convenient bandages in limiting PCR-detectable virus on the external surface.
Authors: Erika Hammarlund; Matthew W Lewis; Jon M Hanifin; Eric L Simpson; Nichole E Carlson; Mark K Slifka Journal: Vaccine Date: 2007-11-29 Impact factor: 3.641