[Comparative assessment of the means and methods of immunizing humans against smallpox]

Abstract

Serological efficacy of oral smallpox vaccination was studied in comparison with the scarification and jet methods (1677 persons were vaccinated orally, 148 by scarification, and 1864 by the jet method). In all the three groups percentage of persons with increase of antibodies in comparison with the initial level proved to be statistically equal, constituting about 80% the first 5 months, and falling to 39-61% in 12 months. After revaccination by the scarification and jet methods the mean geometrical antibody titres increased 11--14-fold, and after oral revaccination--5-fold. However, not in a single case they were below 1:25 (observation time--up to 5 months). Vaccination teams consisting of 2--3 persons were capable of vaccinating by the oral method 1456 persons, by the jet method 891 persons, and by scarfication 27 persons per hour.