If smallpox ever becomes a reality & after all the un vaccinated are taken care of, would the older people who had been vaccinated 50+ years ago be re-vaccinated?
My prediction is that general use of the vaccine will not be suggested initially. However, if smallpox is known to be circulating in a wild form, booster vaccination would be necessary in order to prevent contagion in the US populace. Widespread vaccination would be required in order to safe the population and that includes booster dosages.
Having said this, I would not be willing to use any of the 20 years old stockpiles in our practice. I would only be willing to use vaccines manufactured recently (i.e. in 2001 or later).
I've noticed some of you are concerned of side effects. Information on vaccination problems in the old vaccine suggests that booster dosages are less likely to create bad side effects than the initial vaccination.