Position on reproductive donors and smallpox vaccine: A committee opinion

Although there is presently no definitive evidence linking vaccinia virus transmission through reproductive cells, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) accordingly recommend that assisted reproductive technology (ART) practitioners consider deferring individuals who are planning on donating gametes for reproductive use (reproductive donors) who have recently received smallpox vaccine or contracted symptomatic vaccinia virus infection through close contact with a vaccine recipient (until after the vaccine or infectious scab has spontaneously separated). Good donor practice further suggests that reproductive donors who are not in good health, including those with recent complications from smallpox vaccine, should be similarly deferred. This document replaces the previous document of the same name last published in 2012 (Fertil Steril 2012;98:e1-e2).