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| - Quick Take
A social media post claims that the ACAM2000 vaccine requires quarantine and strict restrictions. Our fact check reveals that it’s false.
The Claim
According to a post on X, “Individuals who are vaccinated with this vaccine should quarantine for 4 weeks after injection. During this quarantine individuals cannot handle babies, be around pregnant women, cannot go swimming or be in hot tubs, cannot use public restrooms, share a bed, clothing, or be in close contact with an unvaccinated individual.”
Fact Check
Was ACAM2000 approved for Mpox in 2024?
Yes. The ACAM2000 vaccine was approved by the US FDA for use against Mpox in August 2024. This vaccine, originally developed to prevent smallpox, was authorised to combat Mpox because of its similarities to smallpox. Although smallpox was successfully eradicated in 1980 through global public health efforts, some people still consider the disappearance of smallpox as the greatest medical mystery of all time.
ACAM2000 is not a new vaccine—it has been used for smallpox prevention for years. Its approval for Mpox reflects concerns about rising cases and the need for additional vaccine options. However, its use comes with specific precautions, as it is a live-virus vaccine that can cause side effects.
Does ACAM2000 require a four-week quarantine?
No. The claim of a mandatory four-week quarantine is inaccurate. ACAM2000 does have precautions, but they do not equate to quarantine for vaccinated individuals.
This vaccine uses a live vaccinia virus, which can spread from the vaccination site to others through close contact or contaminated items (e.g., bandages). To minimise the risk of transmission, recipients are advised to:
- Cover the vaccination site with a bandage.
- Avoid direct contact with individuals, particularly those at higher risk (e.g., pregnant women, infants, or immunocompromised individuals).
- Maintain hygiene, such as handwashing after touching the site or bandage.
These measures are precautionary but do not constitute a strict quarantine. Routine daily activities, like going to work or school, are generally permissible with proper wound care.
Are restrictions on contact overstated?
Yes. The claim that vaccinated individuals cannot “handle babies, be around pregnant women, or use public restrooms” misrepresents medical advice.
ACAM2000 guidelines recommend avoiding close physical contact with vulnerable groups (e.g., pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals) until the vaccination site has healed. This is a precaution to prevent accidental exposure to the live virus, not a blanket ban on public interaction.
Handling babies or being near at-risk individuals is discouraged only if there’s a risk of transferring the virus from the vaccination site. With proper wound care and hygiene, the risk of transmission is minimal.
Why does ACAM2000 have special precautions?
Because it contains a live virus that can spread. Unlike inactivated vaccines, ACAM2000 uses a live, replicating vaccinia virus. This means:
- The virus can potentially be transmitted to others through close contact.
- It requires proper handling of the vaccination site to prevent unintentional spread.
- People with certain medical conditions, like eczema or weakened immune systems, are advised not to receive this vaccine.
These precautions, however, do not make the vaccine inherently dangerous when used correctly. Millions of people have safely received ACAM2000, particularly during smallpox eradication efforts.
What should people know about ACAM2000 and Mpox?
It’s effective but not for everyone. ACAM2000 is effective against Mpox, especially for high-risk groups. However, it is not the first-line vaccine for most people. Safer alternatives, like JYNNEOS, are usually preferred due to fewer side effects and no risk of viral transmission.
For those who do receive ACAM2000, it’s vital to:
- Follow medical guidance for wound care.
- Inform healthcare providers about any underlying conditions.
- Understand the precautions to minimise risk to others.
Recently, during the World Health Organization’s declaration of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), there was significant misinformation surrounding Mpox. For instance, some suggested that it was a planned pandemic orchestrated by Bill Gates, while others spread misinformation like the Indian government is enforcing lockdowns to control Mpox.
THIP Media Take
The claim that the ACAM2000 vaccine requires quarantine and strict restrictions is false. While the vaccine requires careful handling and certain restrictions, such as avoiding close contact with vulnerable individuals, it does not mandate a four-week quarantine or prohibit normal activities like using public restrooms. Correct information about ACAM2000 can help reduce fear and ensure people make informed decisions about vaccination.
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