Abstract: | Between 1968 and 1977 there were 4 113 109 primary smallpox vaccinations in France. There were 30 deaths but no deaths occurred after re-vaccination. The mortality can be analysed as follows: -- proven or probable cases: 1.5 death/million vaccinations; -- proven, probable or possible cases 2.9/million vaccinations; -- proven, probable, possible or doubtful 7.3 cases/million vaccinations. The risk of death is 3 to 4 times greater under the age of one year and an overall death rate of 6/million vaccinations in reasonably accurate. |