The 1957 Asian Flu Outbreak in New York Vaccine Distribution Shortages, Mortality Statistics and Bootleg Inoculations

The 1957 Asian flu (H2N2) was accompanied by many of the same symptoms as normal influenza. Patients experienced pains in their muscles and joints, sore throat, fever and slight coughs. A 1958 World Health Organization meeting in Stockholm estimated that 40-60% of the world's population escaped the 1957 Asian flu outbreak. Experts had convened to deliberate the 1957 killer pandemic. In New York State druggists, physicians and warehouses experienced noteworthy shortages of coveted flu vaccines. The development of a black market was evident in many locales throughout the Empire State.