Today In History: Polio Vaccine Announced

OCEANSIDE, CA — As we enter our second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s difficult to remember when we were not taking extra precautions like mask-wearing and social distancing. However, we are now on the brink of a return to normalcy because of a much-needed vaccine.

That’s why 'today in history' we bring you a glimpse into the future and how much difference a vaccine can make in the world.

Polio is a contagious viral illness that has mild to flu-like symptoms. In its most severe form, it can cause nerve injury leading to paralysis, difficulty breathing, and sometimes death. People who were infected, but didn't show any symptoms, were still contagious. (Sound familiar?)

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Polio was considered one of the worst illnesses of the 20th century. But thanks to Dr. Jonas Salk, on this date in 1953, he announced that preliminary trials of a vaccine were safe and successful on 90 children and adults.

Polio had killed or paralyzed thousands at the beginning of the last century. Especially after World War II, it became one of the most dreaded illnesses affecting all age groups. President Franklin Roosevelt was afflicted with polio before he became president, but because of a sort of Gentleman’s agreement made with the press, nobody mentioned it. A program F.D.R. introduced, The March of Dimes, provided much of the needed funding. Once it was approved, the vaccine was administered throughout the U.S.

With the latest vaccines for the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s good to remember that diseases have been around forever, but we can fight back. Vaccines work. Help protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated.

Explore more about the Polio Vaccine and Dr. Jonas Salk

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