327 



lot," "substitution of less virulent type I strains for the Mahoney 

 strain," "modification of physical arrangements during processing," 

 and revision in several processing and testing sequences.^^ 



The report also recommended that the Public Health Service take 

 action to correct the problem. Among the actions proposed were : 



Amendment of minimum reqiiirements for the production and testing of polio- 

 myelitis vaccine ; incorporation of minimum requirements in official regulations 

 as mandatory standards : creation of a technical committee on poliomyelitis 

 vaccine ; creation of a division of biologies standards, with strengthened staff 

 and facilities ; increased on-site plan surveillance and consultation ; reoriented 

 testing and research program : establishment of poliomyelitis surveillance unit ; 

 and review of legislative authority.*^ 



Perhaps the most important action taken by PITS had been reorgan- 

 ization of the structure and function of the agency to improve the 

 licensing and safety testing of new biologicals. The Division of 

 Biologies Standards was created, new staff added, and additional 

 administrative and testing facilities provided. The division was given 

 responsibility for testing, as well as devising new safety tests and 

 keeping up with the "trends, advances, and problems" of biologies 

 control. A new emphasis was placed on on-site industrial testing so 

 that PHS officials could both assist manufacturers and test the safety 

 of new products during the development stage.^^ 



Additional sources of technical information tapped hy Commerce 

 Committee 

 The first 2 days' testimony received by the Commerce Committee 

 was ])rimarily from executive officials: although in greater depth, it 

 was similar to that received by the two other congressional committees 

 which were investigating the matter. Tlien, on June 22-23, to supple- 

 ment this testimony, the subcommittee opened a 2-day seminar on the 

 issue. Participants were a panel of scientists, organized for the com- 

 mittee by the National Academy of Sciences. Representative Priest 

 explained the need for scientific advice as follows : 



I have felt for quite some time that there were two questions involved in the 

 consideration of the legislation which should be considered separately and apart. 

 One is a scientific question — a medical question. The other is a social question. 

 In my opinion it is important that we discuss these two questions separately." 



* * * So many conflicting statements had been made by public officials, private 

 groups, and individuals connected with the production, safety, testing, distriliu- 

 tion. and application of the vaccine that it was necessary to obtain independent 

 scientific advice, primarily with respect to the safety of the vaccine, before taking 

 action on any legislation providing for Federal funds for the purchase of the 

 vaccine.^^ 



The panel discussion held by the Health and Science Subcommittee 

 opened on June 22 soon after the release of the PHS report. Dr. John 

 R. Paul, of the Yale UniA^ersity School of Medicine served as discus- 

 es Ibid., pp. 69. 89. 

 ^ Ibid., pp. 4-5. 

 «3 Ibid., pp. 91-93. 



^ House. Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. Poliomyelitis vaccine, hear- 

 ings, pt. 2. op. cit., pp. 131-132. 



"^ U.S. Congress. House. Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. Poliomyelitis 

 Vaccination Assistance Act of 1955. H. Rept. 11S6. In Congressional and Administrative 

 News. 1955, pt. 2, p. 3056. 



