Bifurcated needle

The bifurcated needle was invented by Dr. Benjamin Rubin, initially intended for multiple pressure vaccination. It was repurposed specifically for smallpox vaccination by D.A. Henderson in 1967, who was the first to suggest holding the needle at a right angle to the skin and making 15 light, rapid punctures. This is now referred to as the multiple puncture method. Because of the forked construction, the needle does not penetrate deeply into the skin. The multiple puncture method was also found to be more successful for smallpox vaccination. The bifurcated needle was adopted given its efficiency and cost effectiveness in comparison to the alternative jet injector previously in use. Bifurcated needles cost USD $5 per thousand at the time, and could be indefinitely boiled and reused. Their cost effectiveness and efficacy played an important role in the eradication effort's success; without the bifurcated needle, the eradication program may have failed. == Use ==

The bifurcated needle is a narrow steel rod, approximately long with two prongs at one end. Between the two needle prongs, it can hold one dose of reconstituted freeze-dried smallpox vaccine. Up to one hundred vaccinations can be given from one vial of the reconstituted vaccine. The established technique for smallpox vaccination is to dip the needle in the vaccine, and then perpendicularly puncture a person's upper arm fifteen times rapidly in a small circular area. Though skin in the area should be clean, use of an alcohol swab is optional and if used the skin must be allowed to fully dry to avoid deactivation of the live virus vaccine. The punctures should remain in an area approximately 5 mm in diameter. The needle is then disposed of or can be sterilized for reuse given its entirely metal construction. When vaccination has been done correctly, a trace of blood appears at the vaccination site within 10 to 20 seconds after the procedure. ==References==