Which statement about how smallpox vaccine is delivered is true?

Which statement about how smallpox vaccine is delivered is true?

• A. It is delivered percutaneously with a bifurcated needle
• B. It is delivered intramuscularly
• C. It is delivered orally
• D. It is delivered subcutaneously

Answer: (A)

It is delivered percutaneously with a bifurcated needle. This method involves dipping a small two-pronged needle into the vaccine and then lightly tapping it across a small patch of skin to create many tiny punctures. Delivering the vaccine into the superficial skin engages skin-resident immune cells and uses only a tiny dose, yet it elicits a strong immune response. This percutaneous, scarification-type delivery is the traditional and effective approach for the live vaccinia vaccine. In contrast, injecting into muscle or under the skin reaches deeper tissues and isn’t the historical method used for smallpox vaccination, and giving the vaccine by mouth would expose it to stomach acid and reduce effectiveness.

It is delivered percutaneously with a bifurcated needle. This method involves dipping a small two-pronged needle into the vaccine and then lightly tapping it across a small patch of skin to create many tiny punctures. Delivering the vaccine into the superficial skin engages skin-resident immune cells and uses only a tiny dose, yet it elicits a strong immune response. This percutaneous, scarification-type delivery is the traditional and effective approach for the live vaccinia vaccine. In contrast, injecting into muscle or under the skin reaches deeper tissues and isn’t the historical method used for smallpox vaccination, and giving the vaccine by mouth would expose it to stomach acid and reduce effectiveness.