322 



Microbes and You 



After storage in a refrigerator to permit any contaminating bacteria 

 to be killed by the mildly antiseptic glycerol, the material is tested 

 for pmity and suitability before the virus is dispensed in capillary 

 tubes for individual vaccination doses. Proper refrigeration of 

 these tubes is important if the virus is to be stored for any period 

 prior to use. 



Fig. 56. Harvesting smallpox vaccine. (Reproduced by courtesy 

 of Parke, Davis and Company's Therapeutic Notes.) 



Smallpox vaccination usually lasts for about five years. It is 

 customary to vaccinate children at about the age of one year, and 

 again at age six. This usually confers life-long immunity, although 

 during impending smallpox epidemics, mass vaccination of all 

 persons is recommended. This disfiguring and killing disease has 

 become a rarity in countries where smallpox vaccination is re- 

 quired. 



