Mass immunization was new to BD in the early 1950s when the Company was selected to play a key role in delivering Dr. Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine. BD was confronted by what, at that time, would prove to be one of the largest mass vaccinations in history. Virtually the entire organization mobilized to develop and manufacture a sterile disposable glass syringe–and stem the tide of a terrifying childhood disease.

     This initial experience in mass immunization resulted in a new capability for BD. Over time, the Company developed more advanced technologies for immunization programs and became deeply involved in their implementation around the world.

     In the early 1980s, syringe reuse emerged as a public health issue because it risked the spread of blood-borne pathogens, such as hepatitis B. With the outbreak of HIV/AIDS, the reuse of syringes became unacceptable. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) spearheaded the development of injection devices that could be used only once. BD, a supporter of the effort from the start, committed to manufacturing two successful designs–the BD SoloShot auto-disable syringe and the BD Uniject prefill injection device. Over the years, BD contributed significant design improvements to each and leveraged its global manufacturing expertise to produce high-quality devices and make them available to public health agencies for only pennies apiece. After use, the plunger in the BD SoloShot syringe automatically locks to prevent reuse. The sharp needle minimizes patient discomfort–another factor that promotes greater participation in immunization programs. The BD Uniject device is prefilled with a precise amount of vaccine, simplifying logistics for immunization campaigns, especially in remote areas.

     Both products are being used in major vaccination programs to which BD is also a leading contributor. One is a partnership with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to donate one-half of all devices required to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, which every year claims the lives of almost 200,000 infants and 30,000 mothers in the 57 countries where it remains a threat. Additionally, the Measles Initiative, in which BD is partnering with the American Red Cross, is a commitment to vaccinate 200 million African children over five years.

     In its most recent immunization initiative, BD partnered with governments worldwide to address emerging bioterror threats. As it did 50 years ago with the Salk vaccine, BD mobilized rapidly after terrorist attacks on the U.S. to manufacture the BD Bifurcated Needle for delivery of smallpox vaccine. Recently, this needle was recognized as a “Significant Medical Breakthrough”* by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has also cleared a newer safety-engineered version of the BD Bifurcated Needle.

An array of products, including the BD SoloShot syringe, BD Uniject prefill injection device and the BD Bifurcated Needle, make BD a world leader in delivering vaccines for immunization programs.