U.S. Official Hails Measles Vaccine Developed by 3 Harvard Scientists

U.S. Surgeon General Luther L. Terry Thursday termed the two newly-licensed measles vaccines developed by Harvard scientists "the most significant advances in recent years toward eliminating this infectious disease from our population."

The two vaccines--one "live" and one "dead" are the outgrowths of pioneering studies conducted since 1954 at Harvard by John F. Enders, University Professor and Nobel Prize winner; Dr. Samuel L. Katz, associate in Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital; and Dr. Thomas C. Peebles, instructor in Pediatrics.

Predicting that the first drop in measles would occur next year, Terry said that ideally the disease might be completely eliminated from the United States within two years.

At present, over four million cases occur annually, causing about 400 deaths and complications of deafness and mental defects. About 95 per cent of all children have had the measles by the time they reach college age.

By 1960 small groups of children in five cities had been vaccinated with favorable results. Last Thursday, after over two years of tests, the Public Health Service licensed the vaccine for mass production and use.

Possible Permanent Immunity

Dr. Katz, who joined Enders and Peebles in 1956, said yesterday that the "live" vaccine, which is over 95 per cent effective, might provide permanent immunity, although thus far vaccinated children have been observed only for a little over four years. In contrast, the "dead" vaccine, about 90 per cent effective, gives protection for only about one year, but eliminates the mild fever and rash produced by the live substance.

Although both vaccines will be available to private physicians within a few weeks, the University Health Services will not administer either until September.