Immunity to Diphtheria and Response to Artificial Immunization of Children in Rural Virginia

Abstract

The importance of determining the immunity status of a population before attempting mass immunization to diphtheria was demonstrated by a study in 5 Virginia counties. From immunization studies, no significant difference was noted between toxoid and toxoid plus 0.2% alum in immune response. However, 2 doses of either were more efficient than a single dose. Furthermore, in this study, 1 dose of 0.5-1 ml. of alum-precipitated toxoid (12.5 units) was as efficient as injection, 1 wk. apart, of 2 0.5-ml. doses of either plain toxoid or toxoid plus 02% alum (10 units). All subjects were re-Schick-tested 6-9 wks. after completion of injections.