Jonas Salk Ends Paralyzing Summers

Everyone who is old enough remembers where they were on April 12, 1955 when the Polio Vaccine was heralded.

Horns honked, church bells rang, people celebrated in the streets. It was official: The Salk Vaccine Is Safe and Works!

Jonas Salk was, and is, a popular hero, but some in the scientific community were not so happy with his discovery. This is the story of Salk’s journey to discovery, the setbacks, the grit, the naysayers, and the triumph of a national hero.

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This story was recorded April 12, 2021.

Your Storyteller

Pamela Gianni, MD is a native Pittsburgher and second generation Italo-American, who loves all things Pittsburgh. She joined DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh as a volunteer tour curator, and now virtual storyteller, in 2019. In her day job, she’s a Medical Consultant to the Social Security Administration.