The bifurcated needle was created as a more efficient and cost effective alternative to the jet injector previously in use. It was invented in 1965 by Dr. Benjamin Rubin , working at Wyeth Laboratories, and was the primary instrument used during the World Health Organization 's 1966–1977 campaign to eradicate smallpox . [ 5 ]

A bifurcated needle is a device invented in the 1960s for smallpox eradication, which holds a small volume of liquid between its tines and is applied perpendicularly into the skin, requiring a higher virus concentration but using less volume compared to earlier methods.

Smallpox vaccine is administered by puncturing the skin multiple times with a bifurcated needle containing a small quantity of vaccine. A small papule develops after 3 to 5 days, following the virus replication in the dermis.

Oct 23, 2024 · Smallpox vaccination is no longer recommended for the general public. The U.S. government has stockpiled enough smallpox vaccine to vaccinate everyone if an outbreak were to occur. The smallpox vaccine is given using a two-pronged (bifurcated) needle that is dipped into the vaccine solution.

Sep 18, 2024 · As public health experts work rapidly to contain the outbreak, PATH is investigating how a lesser-known tool—the bifurcated needle—could help expedite lifesaving vaccination campaigns. PATH’s Courtney Jarrahian, Global Program Leader, Medical Devices and Health Technologies, explains what it is and how it works.

Jan 3, 2014 · In 1961 the bifurcated needle was developed as a more efficient and cost effective alternative, and was the primary instrument used during the eradication campaign from 1966 to 1977. The bifurcated needle vaccination required only one-fourth the amount of vaccine needed with previous methods and was simpler to perform.

Jan 22, 2025 · A bifurcated needle has two tips which your healthcare worker will use to prick the arm for the vaccine to enter your body. The bifurcated needle was designed in the 1960s and was successfully used to vaccinate many millions of people during the smallpox eradication campaign.

Just as the house-to-house vaccination approach replaced mass vaccination, the bifurcated needle replaced the ped-o-jet. A bifurcated needle resembles a normal needle except at the tip, where it splits, and forms a prong.

Bifurcated needles are highly suitable for skin-prick allergy tests. The needles are inexpensive, minimally invasive, and produce results in 15 to 20 minutes. Because they are easy to use, they can deliver highly reproducible results in the hands of trained professionals.

Nov 4, 2024 · Dip the bifurcated needle into the vaccine vial and withdraw it. The needle is designed to hold a tiny drop of vaccine of sufficient size and strength to ensure a successful vaccination (if administered correctly).