While there is still no actual cure for Polio, thanks to inventor Dr. Jonas Salk there is a way to prevent it. Before Salk invented the vaccine for Polio, America was forced to live in fear of the infectious viral disease that put Franklin Roosevelt in a wheelchair.

Polio attacks the nerve cells and sometimes the central nervous system, which can cause paralysis or even death. After being appointed head of the Virus Research Lab at the University of Pittsburgh in 1947, Dr. Jonas Salk devoted himself to finding a way to curb the devastating virus. Less than five years later, he invented a vaccine and decided to test it out.

After working successfully on a sample group that included Salk, his wife and their three sons, a nationwide testing of the vaccine was launched in April 1954. The impact was dramatic: in 1955 there were 28,985 cases of polio in the U.S. and by 1957 that number had decreased to 5,894.

Since he wanted it to be distributed freely to everyone, Dr. Jonas Salk never patented his polio vaccine. Though an oral vaccine developed by Dr. Albert Sabin gained popularity in the early 1960s, Salk's vaccine is now returning to favor because of its lowered risk factor. Today, in the U.S., cases of polio are extremely rare and The World Health Organization hopes the disease will be eradicated worldwide in the near future.

Of course, that didn't stop inventor Dr. Jonas Salk from keeping busy – his last years were spent searching for a vaccine to combat AIDS.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Jonas Salk

Who was Dr. Jonas Salk?

Dr. Jonas Salk was an American medical researcher and virologist best known for developing the first successful polio vaccine. His work helped protect millions of people from a disease that once caused widespread fear and disability.

What did Jonas Salk invent?

He developed a vaccine that could prevent infection from the poliovirus, which can cause paralysis and even death. The vaccine used an inactivated (killed) form of the virus to safely stimulate immunity without causing the disease.

Why was the polio vaccine important?

Before the vaccine, polio outbreaks were common and terrifying, especially for children. Salk’s vaccine dramatically reduced the number of cases and helped nearly eliminate polio in countries that used it widely. It changed public health and demonstrated the life-saving power of vaccination.

How did Salk’s vaccine work?

His vaccine used a killed version of the poliovirus. When injected, it taught the immune system to recognize and defend against the virus without risking infection. This approach made it safe and effective for mass immunization.

When was the polio vaccine introduced?

Dr. Salk’s polio vaccine began widespread use in the 1950s after successful field trials. The results showed strong protection and were considered a major medical breakthrough of the time.

Was Jonas Salk recognized for his work?

Yes. His work brought him national and international recognition. He became widely respected for his role in fighting polio and for his dedication to public health.

Did Salk profit from the vaccine?

No. Salk chose not to patent the vaccine, and he did not collect royalties. When asked who owned the patent, he famously replied, “There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?” His focus was on saving lives rather than profit.

How did the polio vaccine change society?

The vaccine greatly reduced polio cases, which had been a serious cause of childhood illness and disability. Its success encouraged further vaccine research and helped shape modern immunization programs that protect against many diseases today.

What challenges did Salk face in developing the vaccine?

He had to test and refine the vaccine while ensuring it was safe for large-scale use. Massive field trials were needed to prove effectiveness, and he worked tirelessly with teams of researchers and public health officials to bring the vaccine to the public.

Did Jonas Salk continue to work in science after the polio vaccine?

Yes. After the success of the polio vaccine, he continued research in other areas of immunology and public health. He also founded the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, a research organization still active today.

Where can I learn more about Jonas Salk and his work?

To learn more, you can explore books on medical history, documentaries about vaccines, resources from health organizations, and information from the Salk Institute that highlight his career and contributions to science.

For more information on Dr. Jonas Salk and the invention of the Polio vaccine, please visit:

Salk Produces Polio Vaccine

Scientists & Thinkers: Jonas Salk

Inventor Jonas Salk: Polio Vaccine