HIV-positive patients approved for smallpox vax in an emergency

The U.S. government will now allow individuals with HIV to receive Bavarian Nordic's attenuated smallpox vaccine during an emergency, according to a release. Previously, those with HIV--including children, pregnant women and nursing mothers--were ineligible to receive the company's vaccine, Imvamuner. Some smallpox vaccines, stockpiled by the government in case of emergency, can cause problems for individuals who already have weak immune systems from HIV infection or atopic dermatitis. Release