Six bifurcated needles for smallpox vaccination

Six bifurcated needles for smallpox vaccination Six bifurcated needles for smallpox vaccination

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Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Six bifurcated needles for smallpox vaccination, developed by Wyeth Laboratories, German(? ), 1975-1978

Bifurcated needles have two prongs. A small drop of smallpox vaccine was placed between the prongs and approximately fifteen punctures would be made into the skin. The needles were easy to use and the technique could be learnt by anyone, making effective widespread vaccination possible. The needles were sterilised by boiling or passing through a flame. The skin was not disinfected before use as this killed the vaccine.

The needles were developed by Wyeth for the World Health Organisation’s Global Smallpox Eradication programme. Wyeth waived the patent royalties to the needles meaning that vaccination was affordable and available to all. The needles are shown here with dried smallpox vaccine (1986-1658 Pt2).

Details

Category:
Public Health & Hygiene
Object Number:
1979-61
Materials:
metal
Measurements:
Each needle: 7 mm x 52 mm x 7 mm, .0003 kg
type:
vaccination needle
credit:
Paterson, A.D.