SUBCUTANEOUS AND INTRADERMAL VACCINATION WITH ASIAN INFLUENZA VACCINE

Abstract

Since the isolation of the Asian influenza virus in May, 1957,¹there has been a tremendous marshalling of public health services, research and laboratory teams, and production facilities. Further, as one of the phenomena of our times, we have seen in the lay press immediate and broad coverage of all aspects of an anticipated influenza epidemic, of vaccine production and distribution difficulties, and of the uncertainties of dosage schedules and efficacy of the vaccine. As is natural, an enlightened public has sought immunization at a time when supplies of the vaccine are insufficient to meet the demand and, indeed, at a time when the physician has only the most general statements for guidance in his immunization procedures. Under these circumstances it is understandable that, with previous experience with influenza vaccine of the ordinary type as precedent,²attempts have been made to stretch the limited supply of the Asian