If you're older, you likely received the smallpox vaccine as a child, leaving behind a small pea-sized scar on your arm. The good news is that this vaccine may still offer protection against monkeypox, according to Dr. Michael Mosley, a British medical TV doctor.

Smallpox vaccination programs in the UK and the US continued until 1971–1972, meaning people aged 50 and above were vaccinated and may still have protection against monkeypox. Since smallpox and monkeypox are related viruses, studies show the smallpox vaccine offers about 85% protection against monkeypox.

What is especially remarkable is that even decades after vaccination, individuals who were vaccinated as children continue to show strong antibody responses to smallpox. The longest recorded case of lasting immunity was someone vaccinated over 90 years ago, according to the Daily Mail. Older adults who were vaccinated may still contract monkeypox, but they are more likely to experience mild symptoms and recover quickly.

Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, scientific director at the U.S. National Institute on Aging, highlighted that people vaccinated decades ago maintain high levels of antibodies and strong virus-neutralizing capabilities. A smallpox vaccination scar from childhood indicates you may still be protected against monkeypox, even if you were vaccinated 50 years ago.

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the White House’s top infectious disease advisor, was asked about the durability of the smallpox vaccine. He confirmed that most vaccinated individuals remain protected, but the strength of that protection can vary from person to person. While the vaccine may still offer protection, Dr. Fauci noted it cannot be guaranteed for everyone.

Should Unvaccinated People Be Worried?

Experts suggest that most children and adults with healthy immune systems will not experience severe illness from monkeypox. However, two groups are considered at higher risk:

1. Infants under 6 months old – This group has not yet been affected by the current outbreak.

2. Older adults – While they may be more vulnerable, studies suggest they still have some degree of protection from the smallpox vaccine they received decades ago.

Anne Rimoin, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, who has studied monkeypox in Africa, expressed optimism: "We are fortunate to have vaccines and treatments. We have the ability to contain this virus."

How Monkeypox Spreads

Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as smallpox. While similar to smallpox, monkeypox is typically less severe. The disease was first identified in animals and later found in humans, mainly in Central and West Africa.

Monkeypox can spread in several ways:

1. From Animals to Humans:

   • Direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals.

   • Handling wild animals, especially rodents or primates.

   • Eating undercooked meat from infected animals.

2. From Humans to Humans:

   • Close, prolonged face-to-face contact through respiratory droplets.

   • Direct contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids of an infected person.

   • Contact with contaminated objects such as bedding, clothing, or surfaces.

   • Intimate physical contact, including hugging, kissing, or sexual contact.

Unlike COVID-19, monkeypox does not spread as easily. People are typically considered contagious only when symptoms appear.

What Are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?

Monkeypox symptoms generally appear 5 to 21 days after exposure and develop in two stages:

1. Early Symptoms (Similar to Flu-like Symptoms):

   • Fever

   • Headache

   • Muscle aches

   • Back pain

   • Chills

   • Fatigue

   • Swollen lymph nodes (a key symptom distinguishing monkeypox from smallpox)

2. Rash Phase:

   • A rash develops within a few days after fever and often:

     • Starts on the face and spreads to the body

     • Appears on the palms and soles

     • Progresses through stages: spots → bumps → blisters → pustules → scabs

     • Can be painful or itchy

The illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Most people recover fully, but monkeypox can be more serious for children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.