ACAM2000

Indicated For

smallpox, mpox

About This Medication

# ACAM2000 Patient Guide: How to Get Smallpox Vaccine at Low or No Cost ## About This Guide This guide explains how to access ACAM2000 (Smallpox [Vaccinia] Vaccine, Live) through patient assistance programs. ACAM2000 is a prescription vaccine used to protect people at high risk of smallpox exposure. Because this vaccine is not commercially available to the general public and is primarily distributed through government channels, traditional patient assistance programs may have limited applicability. This guide provides information based on available resources. ## What Is ACAM2000? ACam2000 is a live vaccinia virus vaccine that protects against smallpox disease. It contains vaccinia virus, a "pox"-type virus related to smallpox but causes milder disease. The vaccine cannot cause smallpox because it does not contain the smallpox virus itself. The vaccine is administered differently than typical shots—your healthcare provider will make 15 small pokes in the skin of your upper arm with a needle containing ACAM2000. These pokes are not deep but will cause a drop of blood to form at the vaccination site. ## Who Should Get ACAM2000? ACam2000 is recommended for: - Laboratory personnel who directly handle cultures of or animals infected with vaccinia virus, recombinant vaccinia viruses, or other orthopoxviruses (such as monkeypox or cowpox) - Healthcare personnel (physicians, nurses) who treat or anticipate treating patients with vaccinia virus infections - Anyone administering ACAM2000 - Individuals at high risk of occupational exposure to orthopoxviruses - In emergency situations, people exposed to smallpox virus or at high risk of smallpox infection Routine vaccination is not recommended for the general public. ## Important Safety Information Before receiving ACAM2000, you must receive an FDA-approved Medication Guide that explains potential risks. Serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials include myopericarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle and surrounding tissue) and cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease). People with certain immune system problems should not receive this vaccine. Because ACAM2000 contains live virus, careful attention to the vaccination site is important to prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of your body or to other people. ## How to Access ACAM2000 ### Availability and Distribution ACam2000 is **not available commercially** from doctor's offices or retail pharmacies. The vaccine has been purchased by the federal government for inclusion in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. If you are eligible for vaccination: 1. **Contact your healthcare provider** to determine if you meet high-risk criteria for occupational exposure 2. **CDC Drug Services** provides smallpox vaccine to recommended individuals as needed 3. **In emergency situations**, ACAM2000 would be made available through public health authorities to exposed or high-risk individuals ### Contacting Emergent BioSolutions While Emergent BioSolutions manufactures ACAM2000, the company does not operate a traditional patient assistance program because the vaccine is not sold commercially. For questions about vaccine access: - Contact your occupational health department or healthcare provider - Reach out to your state or local health department - Contact the CDC for information about vaccine availability for high-risk groups ### Insurance and Cost Considerations Because ACAM2000 is distributed through government stockpiles rather than commercial channels, traditional insurance coverage and patient assistance programs do not typically apply. Vaccination through public health channels is generally provided at no cost to eligible individuals. If your employer or occupational health program arranges vaccination, costs may be covered through: - Employer health insurance - Occupational health programs - Government health agencies - Public health emergency response funds ## Income Eligibility Income-based eligibility does not apply to ACAM2000 access because the vaccine is distributed through government public health channels rather than commercial patient assistance programs. Eligibility is based on occupational risk factors and exposure risk, not financial need. ## Required Documentation To receive ACAM2000, you will typically need: - Proof of employment in a high-risk occupation (laboratory work with orthopoxviruses, healthcare worker status, etc.) - Medical history and current health status information - Identification and insurance information (if applicable) - Completion of the FDA-approved Medication Guide - Healthcare provider recommendation ## Application Process **Step 1: Determine Eligibility** Work with your healthcare provider or occupational health department to confirm you meet criteria for high-risk occupational exposure. **Step 2: Request Vaccination** Contact your occupational health program, employer health services, or local health department to request ACAM2000 vaccination. **Step 3: Complete Required Forms** You will receive and must review the FDA-approved Medication Guide before vaccination. Your healthcare provider will discuss risks and benefits with you. **Step 4: Schedule Vaccination** Once approved, your healthcare provider will schedule your vaccination appointment. **Step 5: Receive Vaccination** Your healthcare provider will administer ACAM2000 using the multiple puncture technique on your upper arm. ## Timeline and Delivery **Processing Time:** Timeline varies depending on your employer or health department. Contact your occupational health program for specific timeframes. **Delivery Method:** ACAM2000 is administered in-person by a qualified healthcare provider. The vaccine is not available for home delivery. **Follow-up Care:** After vaccination, you will receive instructions on caring for your vaccination site to prevent virus spread. Your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor for adverse effects. ## What If Your Application Is Denied? If you believe you meet criteria for ACAM2000 vaccination but have been denied: 1. **Request clarification** from your healthcare provider about why you don't meet eligibility criteria 2. **Contact your occupational health department** to discuss your specific risk factors 3. **Reach out to your state health department** for guidance on vaccine access 4. **Consult the CDC** for information about eligibility criteria and emergency access ## Important Disclaimer This guide provides general information about ACAM2000 access. Because ACAM2000 is not commercially available and is distributed through government public health channels, traditional patient assistance programs do not apply. Eligibility, availability, and access procedures may vary by location and circumstances. For specific information about your situation, consult with your healthcare provider, occupational health department, or local health department. This guide does not replace professional medical advice or official government guidance on vaccine access. For the most current information about ACAM2000, visit the FDA website or contact the CDC.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026