Influenza vaccine; a study of serologic responses and incidence of reactions following subcutaneous and intradermal inoculation.

Abstract

ALTHOUGH in recent years infection with the viruses of influenza has not produced serious illness the rates of attack during epidemics, affecting all age groups, are of major concern to the practicing physician. A procedure capable of producing active immunity against influenza is therefore desirable. Moreover, such a procedure should not be accompanied with a high incidence of undesirable reactions, since the disease itself has generally not been of serious consequence. There has been ample demonstration since 19371that the influenza virus in a variety of preparations may be used to induce in human beings a rise in humoral antibody. Combined type A and type B vaccine prepared from chorioallantoic fluid of chicken embryo was given extensive trial by the Commission on Influenza of the United States Army during an epidemic of type A influenza in 19432and (Footnote continued on next page) was shown to have protective