INFLUENZA VACCINATION

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Abstract
Inactivated Asian influenza vaccines given subcutaneously were evaluated for their effectiveness in producing antibody and providing protection during an epidemic. Single injections of vaccine containing 200 CCA or 400 CCA units of vaccine evoked a relatively poor antibody response. Two injections of vaccine of 200 CCA unit potency spaced 6 weeks apart produced a far more satisfactory response. During the fall 1957 epidemic of Asian influenza controlled field trials of the 200 CCA and 400 CCA vaccines were conducted. Military personnel were divided on the basis of serial numbers from groups equal in number. Half received vaccine and half a control solution. Paired blood specimens were collected from all men hospitalized and diagnosis was based on serologic tests. In the 200 CCA unit study [156 men] the protection ratio was 2.5 to 1. In the 400 CCA unit study [64 men] the protection ratio was 3.6 to 1. Both ratios were inferior to that observed in a study of influenza A-prime vaccine early in 1957. The reasons for the relatively low order of protection are discussed and suggestions made for a more effective program of influenza vaccination for the future.