Methods and compositions for vaccination
The invention provides kits, methods and compositions of matter which improve the safety of vaccination. By combining the administration of antiviral drugs, particularly ester derivatives of cidofovir, with the administration of viral vaccines, particularly the variola vaccine DryVax, side effects of the vaccine are diminished without significantly affecting the effectiveness of the vaccine.
1. A method of vaccinating or immunizing an individual against smallpox virus comprising the steps of administering to an individual a nucleoside analog or a derivative of a nucleoside analog antiviral agent that is cidofovir or an analog of cidofovir and a vaccine or immunizing agent wherein the vaccine or immunizing agent elicits an immune response in the individual and the vaccine or immunizing agent is a live, attenuated smallpox vaccine, wherein the antiviral agent and the vaccine or immunizing agent are co-administered.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antiviral agent is selected from the group consisting of HDP-CDV and ODE-CDV.
3. A composition comprising a nucleoside analog or a derivative of a nucleoside analog antiviral agent that is cidofovir or an analog of cidofovir and a vaccine or immunizing agent against smallpox virus, wherein the vaccine or immunizing agent elicits an immune response in an individual and the vaccine or immunizing agent is a live, attenuated smallpox virus.
4. The composition of claim 3 , wherein the immune response is selected from the group consisting of a humoral response, a cellular response, protective immunity, production of epitope specific antibody, and production of epitope specific T-cell.
5. The composition of claim 3 , wherein the antiviral agent is selected from the group consisting of: HDP-CDV and ODE-CDV.