Armstrong – Table of Contents

postvaccination encephalitis was concerned. 4) Evidence was presented which suggested
that inoculation with diphtheria toxoid tended to render mice somewhat more resistant to
vaccine virus administered intra-cerebrally. 5) It was suggested that primary vaccinations,
especially after the first year of life, be deferred until contemplated immunizations
against diphtheria or other diseases by means of inanimate antigens had been
accomplished. 6) The hope was expressed that a recent preliminary exercise or
mobilization of the immunity or defense forces might lead to a more efficient anti-
vaccine-virus response, with the result that the ensuing reaction might tend to simulate
primary infant or secondary vaccinations in their comparative mildness and freedom from
postvaccination encephalitis. In support of this hope, Armstrong quoted again the
epidemiological observation that possibly the high percentage of poliomyelitis cases
recorded among diphtheria-susceptible children in New York City in 1916 might be due
in part to an increased resistance to poliomyelitis among children immune to diphtheria.
It is apparent that the major accomplishments of Armstrong in vaccination
research, along with the contributions of other members of the Hygienic Laboratory,
influenced the practice of safe pediatric immunization procedures. The American
Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) adopted the schedules for administration
of vaccines in infancy, early childhood and adolescence based on these early
recommendations and also the introduction of new vaccines as they became available for
use. Smallpox vaccination is not recommended currently for administration in the first
year of life. It is preceded by other immunizations in early infancy according to the ACIP
schedule of immunizations. The usual standard medical texts, though comprehensive and
updated with new editions every few years, unfortunately, leave in the dust the