In 1955, Dr. Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine was introduced to the public, marking a significant milestone in medical history.

After years of research and testing, Salk developed the first effective vaccine against poliomyelitis, a viral disease that had caused widespread paralysis and death, particularly among children. The vaccine, which used an inactivated poliovirus to stimulate immunity, was declared safe and effective following a massive field trial involving over 1.8 million children. Its release was a huge relief to fearful parents and led to a dramatic decline of polio cases in the United States and around the world, transforming public health and earning Salk widespread recognition as a medical hero.