Instructions from “Smallpox Vaccination Patient Self-Care Kit” given to us after our shots yesterday.

            Day 3-6 as needed – Start Claritin for relief of itching.

            Day 5 – Replace waterproof bandage with new one.

            Day 6 – Site begins to turn white and fills with pus.

            Day 8 – Change waterproof bandage.

            Day 10 – Have vaccine site read by Medical for positive take.

            Day 11 – Change waterproof bandage.

            Day 14 – Vaccine site begins to dry as scab forms.

            Day 14 – Change out last waterproof bandage.

            3-4 Weeks – Scab will dry and fall off leaving a pitted scar over the vaccine site.  Discard scab in biohazardous waste container provided by Medical.

Oh yeah, stay away from children (wasn't told why or for how long) and be sure to take an ibuprofen every 4 hours.  Why the ibuprofen?  Well, because you want to shrink the swelling of the sack surrounding your heart, of course.