Quote:
Originally Posted by Arlo
In 1954, polio was a terrifying reality. The vaccine began as a large clinical trial of 1.3 million kids around the country. They called themselves Polio Pioneers, the first to try a new vaccine in the hopes of ending a grave threat.
Nine months after the trial ended, the vaccine was declared safe and effective. In 1955, mass inoculation against polio began. 25 years later, domestic polio transmission had all but vanished.
Polio is now a mandated vaccination in all 50 states. The kids you see pictured made this a reality for us all. |
By and large the reason polio is eradicated is that humans are the only host. It is not carried by animals or insects. As such, vaccination on a grand scale worked. Other viruses are carried by animals/insects. Vaccinations will not eradicate these viruses that are carried by animals/insects. It is believed that there is low risk of animals/insects can carry COVID. But, never the less, there is some risk. This success story for eradicating polio is wonderful. But, COVID will not be eradicated with mass vaccinations as many hope.