Object Details
- Description (Brief)
- This vaccine was formulated specifically to combat the H2N2 “Asian strain” which caused the Asian Flu pandemic of 1957-58, our first pandemic since 1918, resulting in 70,000 deaths in US. Scientists at Walter Reed Medical Center obtained a sample of the virus in April 1957, and the first vaccines were ready for distribution by September. Thimersol, a mercury derivative, is listed as a preservative. It would eventually be eliminated from most vaccines due to fear that it may cause neurological damage to infants.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- National Drug Company
- date made
- ca 1957 - 1958
- expiration date
- 1959-03-25
- Credit Line
- The Fournet Drugstore Collection
- Physical Description
- influenza virus monovalent Type A, Asian strain, 200 CCA units (drug ingredient)
- Thimersol,1:10,000 (drug ingredient)
- Measurements
- overall: 4.5 cm x 3 cm x 3 cm; 1 3/4 in x 1 3/16 in x 1 3/16 in
- overall, box: 1 1/8 in x 2 in x 1 1/8 in; 2.8575 cm x 5.08 cm x 2.8575 cm
- Object Name
- biological
- vaccine, influenza
- Object Type
- Vaccine
