War on Disease

Polio Eradication in the United States

Abstract

This paper investigates how widespread acceptance of the polio vaccination was generated in the United States. It shows that FDR transformed the struggle against polio into a national endeavor and that the fear of polio contributed to the widespread anticipation of the vaccine. A main focus is placed on the medical researcher Jonas Salk who fostered public trust in the vaccine. This paper will argue that a timely switch from Salk’s inactive vaccine to Sabin’s oral, live vaccine rekindled the national interest in polio and that the war rhetoric on polio further motivated Americans to get vaccinated.