Serologic Response of School Children to Delayed Second Inoculation of Poliomyelitis Vaccine. ∗

Abstract

Summary

The serologic response of school children receiving the second inoculation of poliomyelitis vaccine 5 months after the first injection was studied. Thirteen percent had no demonstrable antibodies to any of the 3 types of virus prior to the second stimulus and many others were lacking in antibodies to one or two types. Only 33% had antibodies to all 3 types. Two weeks following the delayed second injection none was without antibodies to any type, and 85% had antibodies to all 3 types. The antibody levels attained by these children were at least as good if not better than those of other age groups following 2 injections at an interval of one month. The conclusion is made that a delay of 5 months between the first and second injections of poliomyelitis vaccine, although not normally recommended, actually proves advantageous in terms of serologic response.