Vaccine Adverse Reaction Images

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This information is about preventing or responding to smallpox. For the latest information about the current monkeypox outbreak, including information on symptoms, prevention, and vaccines, please visit CDC’s Monkeypox site.

The images below show examples of autoinoculation sites and adverse reactions to the smallpox vaccine. Find images of normal reactions on the “major takes” page.

Pictures labeled from CDC are in the public domain. All other pictures are posted with the permission of the copyright holders and may be downloaded for personal use but may not be reproduced without the express permission of the copyright holder.

Fatal progressive vaccinia in a child with an immunodeficiency.
Progressive vaccinia (vaccinia necrosum), which was fatal, in a child with an immunodeficiency. Reprinted with permission of WHO. Original photo by C.H. Kempe. [From Fenner F, Henderson DA, et al. Smallpox and its Eradication. WHO. 1988.]
Child with auto-inoculation of cheek and arm with vaccinia virus.
Accidental autoinoculation of cheek with vaccinia virus, approximately 5 days old. Primary take on arm, 10-12 days old. Photo courtesy of John M. Leedom, MD.
Woman with accidental auto-inoculation of lower eyelid with vaccinia virus.
Accidental autoinoculation of lower eyelid with vaccinia virus. Reprinted with permission of WHO. Original photo by C.H. Kempe. [From Fenner F, Henderson DA, et al. Smallpox and its Eradication. WHO. 1988.]
Accidental auto-inoculation of eyelid with vaccinia virus with concurrent cellulitis.
Accidental autoinoculation of eyelid with vaccinia virus with concurrent cellulitis. Photo courtesy of John M. Leedom, M.D.
Generalized vaccinia in child.
Generalized vaccinia in an apparently normal child. Recovered without sequelae. Photo courtesy of John M. Leedom, M.D.
Eczema vaccinatum on the face of a child.
Eczema vaccinatum. Photo courtesy of John M. Leedom, M.D.
Eczema vaccinatum on the arms, torso, and legs of a child.
Eczema vaccinatum. Photo courtesy of John M. Leedom, M.D.
Eczema vaccinatum in contact to recently vaccinated child.
Eczema vaccinatum in contact to recently vaccinated child. Recovered without sequelae or permanent ocular damage. Photo courtesy of John M. Leedom, M.D.
Eczema vaccinatum in an unvaccinated contact to a vaccinated sibling.
Eczema vaccinatum in an unvaccinated contact to a vaccinated sibling. Reprinted with permission of WHO. Original photo by I.D. Ladnyi. [From Fenner F, Henderson DA, et al. Smallpox and its Eradication. WHO. 1988.]
Progressive vaccinia in patient with chronic granulocytic leukemia.
Progressive vaccinia (vaccinia necrosum) in patient with chronic granulocytic leukemia. Photo courtesy of John M. Leedom, M.D.
Another view of progressive vaccinia lesion in patient with chronic granulocytic leukemia.
Another view of progressive vaccinia (vaccinia necrosum) lesion in patient with chronic granulocytic leukemia. Photo courtesy of John M. Leedom, MD.
Page last reviewed: December 5, 2016
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP)