vaccinia virus vaccine

The **vaccinia virus vaccine** is a live virus vaccine derived from the vaccinia virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, used primarily for immunization against smallpox and to provide cross-protection against other orthopoxviruses such as monkeypox. The vaccine induces both humoral and cellular immune responses, generating immunity by exposing recipients to a live, but attenuated or non-virulent, vaccinia virus that is closely related to but less dangerous than the variola virus (smallpox). Modern formulations include first-generation (calf lymph-derived), second-generation (cell culture-derived), and third-generation (highly attenuated, e.g., Modified Vaccinia Ankara [MVA] strain) vaccines. In addition to its historical and biodefense roles, newer recombinant and highly attenuated versions are used for those at risk of orthopoxvirus infections, particularly in immunocompromised populations. The mechanism of action is the stimulation of the host's immune system to recognize and respond to orthopoxvirus antigens, providing protective immunity against subsequent exposures[3][4][5][6][7][8].

Brand names

DryvaxACAM2000ACAM-2000ACAM 2000IMVAMUNEJynneos

Other names

smallpox vaccinevaccinia vaccinelive vaccinia vaccinesmallpox/monkeypox vaccineorthopoxvirus vaccine