Poliomyelitis, also called polio or “infantile paralysis,” is an acute viral infection caused by the poliovirus. In the past, because of the many cases and critical results from epidemics of polio, people feared the disease since it had left many patients paralyzed for life, and it sometimes killed people. In the 1950's, a vaccine against the disease was introduced. Since then, polio has been nearly eliminated in many countries. However, when the vaccine was brought in, people believed the war against polio has finally ended; however, they did not realize all the negative aspects that came with the development of the vaccine. This paper will prove how the polio vaccine caused more harm than good.

Polio is an infectious viral disease that can, at times, result in paralysis. Most cases back then usually involved children, but it also affected older people. The disease is manifested in a number of ways. The mild forms usually include episodes of diarrhea. This can be followed by clear liquid meningitis (non-paralytic polio), or paralytic polio of various muscular groups. The virus can penetrate to the central nervous system, infecting cells that control muscle function.

On April 12, 1955, the highly anticipated clinical trial results turned into a major media event, perhaps the biggest in medical history. The headlines screamed "SALK'S VACCINE WORKS!" The vaccine was 60 to 80 percent effective against paralytic polio, according to the tests. Even though the vaccine was good, it was not perfect. This became one of the causes of some problems that arose at the time. High public expectations and media attention around the world created the popular view that the vaccine was completely successful and that the long war against polio was finally over. With this bit of news, they all stormed into the doctor’s offices and demanded to be vaccinated. Misinformed, some were treated. Out of these “misinformed” vaccinations, people contracted unwanted side effects, or even polio itself.

Post polio was also a problem. People have been vaccinated, and were immune to polio. However, due to some of the vaccination failures, people had acquired polio. After treatment, they were rid of polio, but they suffered after effects. Each survivor had to deal with day-to-day challenges, including overwhelming fatigue, leg and arm weakness, burning muscles and joints, head, back, and neck pain, and trouble sleeping, breathing, and swallowing. Many people had had difficulties coping with all these post polio effects. To help manage this syndrome, they sought professional help. This post polio syndrome was the result of the unsuccessful trials of the incomplete vaccine.

Jonas Edward Salk, an American research scientist, worked in the field of preventive medicine. He gained his greatest recognition for developing a vaccine that became the first effective weapon in preventing poliomyelitis. Dr. Albert Bruce Sabin began his field trials in the USSR and Eastern Europe in 1957. Sabin later developed an effective oral polio vaccine. The vaccines were supposedly found safe, and there was evidence that it was effective.

This paper proves how the polio vaccine had caused more harm than good. The euphoria of the people due to the development of the polio vaccine prevented them fro

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