This article is only available in the PDF format. Download the PDF to view the article, as well as its associated figures and tables.
The present possibilities and prospects for immunization against viral disease were presented at a conference held Nov 7 to 11, 1966, at the Pan American Health Organization in Washington, DC (JAMA199:112 [Jan 9] 1967).
In countries now free from endemic smallpox there is a difference of opinion as to the advisability of routine smallpox vaccination, because of the risks of complications with the vaccine now available. Work is in progress on more attenuated vaccine strains with maintained immunogenic capacity.
For poliomyelitis the efficacy of live or inactivated vaccines is established. Systematic continuation of vaccination of the infant population is required.
Live measles virus vaccines have not caused serious reactions and have provided solid and presumably long-acting immunity. Preliminary studies of combining measles and smallpox vaccines have given promising results.
Rubella occurs in serious epidemics in the United States about every seven years. While the majority of cases are