Diphtheria Prevention in Chicago: The Health Officer's Problem

Preliminary Report and Observations on the 1956 Poliomyelitis Outbreak in Chicago

“…It was felt that 23-gauge, 1-in. needles were proper in length and thickness because [1] the 23-gauge needle was of sufficient size to allow free passage of the vaccine and yet was not large enough in gauge to cause appreciable destruction of tissue and [2] needles of this gauge and length had less tendency to bend or break when used than those of longer length and smaller diameter. In many instances, the board of health during the outbreak was offered shipments of needles of larger diameter, which were not accepted because they did not meet the requirements as specified above. )…”