March 26, 2019
Polio Vaccine – 26th March 1953
On this day, 26th March, the anniversary of Jonah Salk announcing the vaccine for Polio, we recall some memorable quotes about him and by him:
Edward R. Murrow: Who owns the patent on this vaccine?
Jonas Salk: Well, the people, I would say. There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?
“It is courage based on confidence, not daring, and it is confidence based on experience.”
On testing his vaccine against polio on himself, his wife, and his three sons (9 May 1955)
“The work of Dr. Salk is in the highest tradition of selfless and dedicated medical research.”
~ Dwight D. Eisenhower
“He felt that he couldn’t ask other parents to let him give this vaccine to their children if he wasn’t willing to first try it on his own.”
His son, Darrell Salk, as quoted in “At the Salk family table, a long conquest is begun” in Seattle (26 April 2004)
We, as a community of polio survivors, are indeed grateful to Dr Salk for his endeavours, which ensure that polio can no longer rage unchecked.
We remind the world, that we are still here, survivors of this dreadful disease, living with it’s impacts, yet determined to live with dignity and independence as we have done since childhood. Equally, we are testament to the need for vaccination, so that polio can be eradicated forever.
Thank you Jonah Salk.