Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the prostate with evidence of metastatic
disease based on any of the following:

- Lymph node positive and PSA at least 10 ng/mL

- Bone scan positive and PSA at least 10 ng/mL

- PSA at least 2 ng/mL and rising following radical prostatectomy

- PSA at least 10 ng/mL following radiotherapy

- No symptomatic metastatic disease (bony pain)

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

- Age: 18 and over

- Performance status: ECOG 0 or 1

- WBC greater than 2,000/mm3

- Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm3

- Bilirubin less than 2.0 mg/dL

- AST less than 4 times normal

- Creatinine less than 2.0 mg/dL

- Must be type HLA-A2 Prior vaccinia (smallpox) exposure required

- At least normal delayed type hypersensitivity to mumps and Candida

- At least normal CD4:CD8 ratio (greater than 1)

- At least normal lymphocyte proliferation testing (to Con A)

- At least normal immunoglobulin levels

- No evidence of altered immune responsiveness or autoimmune syndromes (e.g.,
scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus)

- No HIV antibody No prior splenectomy

- No known allergy to eggs

- No active extensive skin disorders (e.g, psoriasis, burns, impetigo, disseminated
zoster)

- No other serious intercurrent illness

- No active infections unless cleared and at least 3 days since antibiotic therapy

- No close contact for 2 weeks after each vaccination with the following people:

- Children less than 3 years old

- Pregnant women

- Individuals with eczema or skin conditions listed above

- Immunosuppressed individuals

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

- No concurrent biologic therapy

- No prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease

- No prior hormone therapy for metastatic disease

- Neoadjuvant hormone therapy prior to prostatectomy or radiotherapy allowed

- No concurrent steroids or hormonal medications

- Prior radiotherapy allowed

- Prior surgery allowed