Robert Kwok's Fight Against The Polio Vaccine

Polio: An American Story written by David Oshinsky highlights the journey to the discovery of a vaccine which would finally put an end to the once mysterious disease, Poliomyelitis. The journey begins in Otter Valley, Vermont, as it was the first Polio epidemic to be documented in the United States. Unknowingly, it would take years after the first epidemic in 1894 to find a solution for this frightening illness. The disease dates back to ancient time, with cases describing the victims to be left with disfigured limbs and some eventually to be paralyzed. Oshinsky identifies that the disease appeared in three phases: endemic, which occurs in a sporadically within a group of people, epidemic, in which it affected many people and spread rapidly,

“In 1954 he developed the original vaccine that led to virtual eradication of paralytic polio in industrialized countries. ”(“Jonas Edward Salk”1). Salk helped people in other countries and even around the world. He helped countless children. “The first large polio epidemic in the United States occurred in 1916, when 6,000 people died and 27,000 were paralyzed”(Petersen 1).

Through the development of this investigation I have explored the variety of ways of finding information, In addition, I have faced some of the challenges that historians faced. First and foremost one of the primary sources which I used-- “Vaccine War” an interview featuring Jenny McCarthy was raw information, meaning that it was one of a few stories of concerns parent who told media they had believed that the vaccine was the cause autism in their children. Although this interview does raise questions and include evidence both firsthand and handed down; it is not reliable in a sense that it has almost no scientific foundation. Unlike scientist who have a constant result that never changes, historians on the other side will get different stories

Immunizations can save a child’s life; due to the medical advances that have taken place, kids are now protected from many illness/ diseases. At one point in time, Polio was a horrible illness that is now preventable by simply receiving a shot (USDHHS, n.d.). Immunizations protect not only the individual receiving the vaccination, but others as well. Certain individuals are not suitable for specific vaccinations, therefore, if everyone else has the vaccination, the people who cannot are more likely to be safe from the illness (USDHHS, n.d). Generally, immunizations are safe, effective, cheaper in the long run, and can save families time.

Since infants and young children are very vulnerable and lack independence, healthy physical development is dependent on protecting them from outside harms. Vaccines protect not just the child being vaccinated but also other children who may not be vaccinated. Some children cannot receive vaccines due to health conditions, such as child with allergies or a deficient immune system. These children are at risk for catching devastating illnesses when they come in contact with unvaccinated children. When parents have their children vaccinated it is good for the health of both the vaccinated children and other children in the

There were many people hard at work trying to find a vaccine including an American researcher, Jonas Salk. Salk had created the vaccine years earlier but a lot of testing was required. He figured out that his vaccine worked about 86% of the time, which was better than any other vaccine. This vaccine was injected, but there was many side effects, including fevers and drowsiness but the good out weighed the bad. This was later to be called IPV (injected Polio Vaccine) because later OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) was to be introduced.

In today’s day and age, vaccines have come against immense pressure, but the fact still remains - vaccinations are one of the best ways to protect your children. Vaccines were a breakthrough in science and medicine, and over the years vaccines have saved thousands of lives across the world. Ever since Edward Jenner first discovered the Smallpox vaccine, this incredible technology has been used to cure disease and even eradicate viruses across the globe. However, today, in this world that wages war against truth and science, some scorn at the prospect of these lifesaving protections, calling them poison. Opponents of vaccines argue that vaccines can cause cancer, is a hoax to eliminate the population, or even claim they cause autism.

In the article Vaccines and the Great Denial; the author provides many evidence

Six decades after the first polio case was confirmed near Rutland, Vermont in the summer of 1894, polio terrorized the United States. The polio virus, which infected children in disproportions, could attack the nervous system and cause muscle paralysis and even death. Jonas Salk, an American virologist, announced his development of the polio vaccine in 1953. Forever, all over the world, people worshiped athletes, inventors, war heroes, superheros-but a medical researcher?

However, there are more resounding evidence that disproves the relationship between vaccines and autism that can’t be ignored. The study, published by the Lancet in 1998, conducted by Dr. Andrew Wakefield ignited a controversy in the medical world. 12 children believed to have developed autism participated in a study that reviewed their medical histories and evaluated their developments. They were reviewed for any underlying biological/physiological factors that could affect the child’s health.

Vaccines can save lots of lives. Lots of people get them, but some people don't. Most people can be scared of anything that comes at them with a needle. But more people die by walking then vaccines, so the risk is very low. When communities that have low vaccination rates, they are plagued with disease.

Vaccinations have been used since Edward Jenner’s discovery. (“This History of Vaccines”) Vaccinations are important. Vaccinations are critical in not only one’s health, but the health of the people around

Many people may think that vaccination is a bad thing, that instead of preventing it causes illness, that is not natural. Natural or not, there are many reasons as to why we should vaccinate us and the younger generation. Most of the time children don’t like vaccination because it hurt, but is the responsibility of a parent to seek the wellbeing of his or her child. Vaccination it’s a preventive measure of various diseases. Unfortunately, things like the anti-vaccination movement, the misinformation on the Internet, and the believe that vaccination causes more damage than is worth, have led our society to think that it’s right not to vaccinate.

Modern medicine provides people with the ability to protect themselves from the world’s most fatal diseases. Merely a century ago, it was not uncommon for a child to die as a result of diseases such as polio, pertussis, and tuberculosis. Today, it is highly unlikely for a person to contract these diseases, let alone die from them. However, refusal of vaccinations has been increasing throughout the years due to the anti-vaccination movement. This movement declares mandatory vaccines unconstitutional and vaccinations overall as the cause of autism.

Vaccinations can help prevent future diseases or viruses in the upcoming life of a child. According to an article from vaccines.gov, “Because of advances in medical science, your child can be protected against more diseases than ever before. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children, have been eliminated completely and others are close to extinction- primarily due to stay safe and effective vaccinations.” Throughout the years more viruses have been prevented due to vaccinations in children. There has also been an increase in the amount of children that get vaccinations at a young age.