In contrast to the altogether laudable efforts of these companies to protect their employees, a complete history of the vaccine episode in this community necessitates the recounting of a very different phase in the matter. When it became known that corporations were vaccinating their employees, people in general naturally began to investigate. Physicians’ offices were besieged by persons who either demanded vaccination at once or wanted to know whether or not there was “anything in it.” Conscientious physicians in their turn called up the offices of the medical societies, the various laboratories, and telegraphed everywhere trying to get some definite data before recommending the vaccine to their patients. It was impossible to answer the question definitely, because it was a new procedure and purely in the experimental stage. On the whole, the medical profession handled the situation in a competent and dignified manner, for the great majority gave vaccines only after a full explanation to the effect that its value was in doubt, or else refused to give it altogether. There were some, however, who were not conscientious, and the unscrupulous practitioner seldom had a better chance to impose upon the public. The demand for vaccine soon exceeded the supply, and it is claimed that there were doctors who gave any type of vaccine they could obtain without regard to its bacterial make-up or intended purpose. Anti-diphtheritic serum was given in many instances, and it is said that even normal salt was used. Statements to the effect that exorbitant sums were being charged and that guarantees of prevention were being made resulted in the Red Cross Society undertaking the distribution of the vaccine. To protect itself, the Medical Society issued the following notice in the weekly bulletin for October 26, 1918:
The Society wishes it understood that at present there is no vaccine, serum or inoculation which will secure anyone against influenza. It is desirable that everyone should avoid hysteria and consider only the reports which are officially given out by the Health Department, since of late various methods of prophylaxis and treatment have found their way into the daily newspapers, and these may prove harmful rather than do good.