U.S. Public Health Service Salk polio vaccine collection

Collection

Identifier: MS C 251

Abstract

Reports, memoranda, and correspondence relating to the USPHS's involvement in the introduction of the Salk polio vaccine.

Dates

Creation: 1951-1962

Extent

2.31 Linear Feet (5 boxes)

Creator

United States. Public Health Service (Organization)

Physical Location

Materials stored onsite. History of Medicine Division. National Library of Medicine

Language of Materials

Collection materials primarily in English

Restrictions

Collection is not restricted. Contact the Reference Staff for information regarding access.

Copyright and Re-use Information

NLM does not possess copyright to the collection. Archival collections often contain mixed copyrights; while NLM is the owner of the physical items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. It is the user's responsibility to research and understand any applicable copyright and re-publication rights not allowed by fair use. NLM does not grant permissions to publish.

Privacy Information

Archives and manuscript collections may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in any collection without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications for which the National Library of Medicine assumes no responsibility.

Historical Note

In April 1955 the Department of HEW licensed 6 companies to distribute a newly-developed polio vaccine developed by Jonas Salk of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The vaccine's effectiveness had been endorsed by NIH and the Surgeon General. Shortly after the vaccine was distributed, however, Cutter laboratory's allotment was found to be tainted and a cause of 72 new cases of polio. Responding to the crisis, the U.S. Public Health Service directed CDC epidemiologist Alexander Langmuir to investigate. Langmuir created the Polio Surveillance Unit, which worked with state health departments and acquired information on every reported case of polio.

Collection Summary

Reports, memoranda, correspondence, and printed matter relating to the production and distribution of the Salk polio vaccine. Includes surveillance reports, state vaccination activities, and correspondence with the National Foundation.