Vaccinia immune globulin


A blood product rich in antibodies against vaccinia, the virus in the smallpox vaccine. Vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) is the only known antidote to the complications of vaccination. It is derived from the blood of people who have been vaccinated recently, usually within the past 2 months. VIG is believed to be used against some but not all of the complications. namely extensive accidental implantation, eczema vaccinatum, severe or recurrent generalized vaccinia, and progressive vaccinia

Studies in the 1950’s and 60’s indicated that the complications of vaccination occurred soon after vaccination and before significant antibody could be detected in the blood. As a result, the late Dr. Henry Kempe and others developed the concept of providing antibody in the form of gamma globulin. Empiric evidence appeared to demonstrate that patients healed when VIG was administered for certain complications. Vaccination and the occurrence of complications ceased in the early 1970’s and no definitive studies were carried out to determine the exact efficacy of VIG.

Read Also:

  • Vaccinia keratitis

    Infection of the cornea due to implantation of vaccinia virus from a smallpox vaccination. People with pre-existing eye disease (particularly inflammatory diseases of the lids, conjunctiva and cornea) are particularly prone to implantation of the vaccinia virus from contact with contaminated hands. Caretakers who bath or otherwise handle children with vaccinations are the most likely […]

  • VACTERL association

    V = Vertebral anomalies; and A = Anal atresia (no hole at the bottom end of the intestine); C = Cardiac defect, most often ventricular septal defect; TE = TracheoEsophageal fistula (communication between the esophagus and trachea) with esophageal atresia (part of the esophagus is not hollow); R = Renal (kidney) abnormalities; and L = […]

  • Vagina

    the anterior (front) vaginal fornix and the posterior (rear) vaginal fornix. The cervix protrudes slightly into the vagina, and through a tiny hole in the cervix (the os), sperm make their way toward the internal reproductive organs. The vagina also includes numerous tiny glands that make vaginal secretions.

  • Vagina, septate

    A rare condition in which the vagina is divided, usually longitudinally, to create a double vagina. This situation can be easily missed by the patient and even by the physician on exam. If the patient becomes sexually active prior to diagnosis, one of the vaginas stretches and becomes dominant. The other vagina slips slightly upward […]

  • Vaginal birth after Cesarian section

    It was once the rule that, after a C-section, the next delivery also had to be by C-section. Now, vaginal delivery after Cesarian section (VBAC) is sometimes feasible. Age is one the factors that need to be considered, since women over 30 who try a vaginal delivery after a C-section are about three times more […]


Disclaimer: Vaccinia immune globulin definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.