Apr 16, 2025 1 min read

Many thanks to Brad Hundt and the Observer-Reporter for Sunday’s excellent article on the development of the polio vaccine in 1955.

This article explored the history of polio – known to have stricken people as long ago as ancient Egypt – to the medical breakthrough made by Dr. Jonas Salk at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine to eradicate this dreaded disease. Sadly, many people no longer trust vaccines which are largely responsible for the health we enjoy today.

In my own family, my 12-year-old cousin Tommy died of polio and my sister, Janice, also contracted the disease. She survived, but I believe she suffered from post-polio syndrome before passing away.

At my grade school, classes were lined up at the nurse’s office for our polio vaccines. We all got them. When I complained to my parents that the shots hurt they told me to be grateful there was a vaccine.

I am.

Christie Campbell

Washington