VACCINES IN PROPHYLAXIS OF DISEASE 187 



or three thicknesses may be loosely applied and 

 retained by two strips of adhesive plaster, one 

 applied around the arm well above and the other 

 well below the vaccination. The gauze should 

 be sufficiently large (2 by 3 inches) to prevent 

 the adhesive strips from irritating the vacci- 

 nated area. The gauze protects the wound from 

 external infection, and, where this method is 

 followed, secondary infections practically never 

 occur. (2) No protective dressing should be al- 

 lowed to remain on the vaccinated area more 

 than twenty-four hours at a time. The use of 

 pads, plasters and shields of any sort is usually 

 to be condemned because, by retaining heat and 

 moisture, they cause softening and breaking- 

 down in other words, they act as a poultice. 

 (3) Vaccination is a surgical procedure and de- 

 serves the personal attention of the vaccinating 

 physician on the third, seventh and ninth days 

 at least. 



Bathing need not be omitted, nor any of the 

 ordinary occupations ; but any unnecessarily ex- 

 cessive use of the vaccinated arm or leg should 

 be guarded against, as this increases the con- 

 gestion, inflammation, and the chances of infec- 

 tion. 



