As world's first polio vaccine turns 57, scientists working to develop better alternatives

Apr 16 2012

In this post in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's "Impatient Optimists" blog, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Oshinsky examines the development of the world's first polio vaccine, noting that the vaccine, developed by Jonas Salk of the University of Pittsburgh, turned 57 on Thursday. "Now, with an eye on the endgame, scientists and researchers are developing even better vaccines," Oshinsky writes, concluding, "The fight to end polio will not be easy, but it surely can be done. ... We must seize this historic opportunity, fulfilling the promise we made to our children -- to all children -- 57 years ago today" (4/12).