Origins and Development of the Commission on Influenza

Abstract

The origins and evolution of the Commission on Influenza of the Armed Forces Epidemiorogical Board are traced by recounting the activities of the commission and of its founder, Thomas Francis, Jr., MD, from 1940 until 1970. Under Francis’ leadership a new mechanism was developed for the conduct of studies on respiratory disease in active collaboration with the military. The first successful inactivated influenza virus vaccine was developed, tested, and proved within three years. The epidemiologic significance of the emergence of the new variants was recognized promptly., Successful countermeasures were taken quickly., A global system of “watch laboratories” was developed under commission auspices. This functioned so successfully that the pattern was subsequently adopted by the World Health Organization, Details of these and many other accomplishments comprise this report.