Can You Get Smallpox in the UK? Eradication Status & Current Risk

No natural smallpox risk exists in the UK.

Global Status

• WHO declared global eradication in 1980
• No naturally occurring cases since
• Virus samples exist only in two WHO-approved secure labs (CDC Atlanta, VECTOR Russia)

UK Specifics

• No population-level vaccination since 1970s
• Vaccine only for high-risk lab workers handling the virus
• Theoretical risk (accidental/intentional release) assessed as very low
• Comprehensive infectious disease preparedness in place

Routine smallpox vaccination ended globally after eradication. Current countermeasures focus on lab security and outbreak response planning.