How many sticks are administered when using a bifurcated needle for smallpox vaccination?

Using a bifurcated needle for smallpox vaccination is designed to deliver multiple small doses of the vaccine efficiently. The correct answer, which states that 15 sticks should be administered, is based on the standardized technique for vaccination with this type of needle.

The bifurcated needle is uniquely shaped to allow for multiple punctures or "sticks" in the skin’s surface. Each stick introduces a small amount of the vaccine into the bloodstream, stimulating an immune response without overwhelming the body with a large dose. Historical practices and protocols have established that 15 sticks provide an effective balance in terms of maximizing immune response while minimizing potential adverse effects.

Other options suggest a different number of sticks, but clinical practices and guidelines support the use of 15 as the appropriate number for effective vaccination with a bifurcated needle in smallpox immunization.