University Offers Polio Vaccination To All Students

The University will offer the Sabin oral vaccine for immunization against poliomyelitis to all students, Faculty members, and employees beginning in January.

There will be no charge for those covered by the University Blue Cross Blue Shield or student health plans. For all others, including dependents, there will be a charge of $1. Since public health authorities advise that family groups be immunized together, the University has made an exception to its usual policy of not giving medical care in its facilities to dependents.

Three Vaccines

The Sabin vaccine is a live virus vaccine which has been weakened to produce immunity without producing clinical sickness. To be protected against all three strains of poliomyelitis virus, individuals must take all three types of vaccine. Type I will be given Jan. 13, 14, and 15; Type II, March 3, 4, and 5; and Type III, May 19, 20, and 21.

The Sabin oral vaccine "has been given with a high degree of acceptance and safety in communities throughout the country and all over the world," according to Dana L. Farnsworth, director of the University health services.

"Greatest Possible Immunity"

Farnsworth urged those who have already had Salk vaccine to have the Sabin vaccine, too. The double vaccination will give the "greatest possible immunity to polio."

Cambridge residents were also asked to take advantage of the city's immunization program. All children between the ages of three months and 18 years are eligible for that program.