Vaccinia immune globulin

Vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) is made from the pooled blood of individuals who have been inoculated with the smallpox vaccine. The antibodies these individuals developed in response to the smallpox vaccine are removed and purified. This results in VIG. It can be administered intravenously. It is used to treat individuals who have developed progressive vaccinia after smallpox vaccination.

It was also used along with cidofovir for the 2003 Midwest monkeypox outbreak as concomitant therapy to reduce the serious side effects of smallpox vaccine.[1][2] In addition, CDC states that use of VIGIV may be considered for postexposure prophylaxis of monkeypox in exposed individuals who cannot receive postexposure vaccination with smallpox vaccine because of severe T-cell function immunodeficiency.[3][4]

  1. ^ "CDC Smallpox | Investigational Vaccinia Immune Globulin (VIG) Information". Bt.cdc.gov. Archived from the original on 2013-05-10. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  2. ^ Wharton, M; Strikas, RA; Harpaz, R; Rotz, LD; Schwartz, B; Casey, CG; Pearson, ML; Anderson, LJ (4 April 2003). "Recommendations for using smallpox vaccine in a pre-event vaccination program. Supplemental recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC)". MMWR. Recommendations and Reports. 52 (RR-7): 1–16. PMID 12710832.
  3. ^ "Vaccinia Immune Globulin IV Monograph for Professionals". Drugs.com.
  4. ^ "Monkeypox | Agent Fact Sheet". 17 August 2023.