Table of Contents • I. Poliomyelitis, Treatment, and Prevention Prior to 1955 • II. The Arrival of the Salk Polio Vaccine: Documents, April-July 1955 • A. Optimism Abounds • B. Confronting Challenges • C. Maintaining Momentum • III. Postscript - Polio Prevention after Jonas Salk • IV. Bibliography and Resources • V. Student Assignments • VI. Catalogue of Sources

Section II. The Arrival of the Salk Polio Vaccine: Documents, April-July 1955

C. Maintaining Momentum

The massive production of polio vaccine in the initial weeks following the announcement of the field study data obscured the fact that little was known about the technical aspects of producing the Salk polio vaccine on a large scale. The problems with the Cutter vaccine led to the rapid development of testing and standards to ensure product quality, developments which President Eisenhower framed in a 31 May statement as a victory in "another battle in the continuing fight against polio" (Document I). The statement also notes that one of Eisenhower's own grandchildren was among the several million first and second grade students vaccinated to date.

Document I - Statement from President Eisenhower on Vaccine Distribution Plan, 31 May 1955

The statement also outlines the first official distribution plan for vaccine doses following completion of the National Foundation program. A priority group of students age 5-9 is identified, with vaccine doses allocated by manufacturers to states on the basis of population in the target age group.

Eisenhower concludes by suggesting that the cooperation of all involved parties eliminates the need for 'regulatory legislation' regarding vaccine distribution. This statement reflects a vision of a limited federal government that has been pointed to as a reason why virtually no federal planning regarding the vaccine had taken place prior to its arrival, when it became apparent that federal coordination was essential.

Six weeks later, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Oveta Culp Hobby prepared a detailed report of the distribution program that would follow the completion of the National Foundation program for first and second-graders (Document J). By 31 July, questions surrounding Hobby's leadership of HEW would lead to her resignation as Secretary.

Document J - Supplemental Report to the President by Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare on Vaccine Distribution - Draft, 13 July 1955

The report includes a rare mention of international vaccine availability, noting only that the matter is being studied "in anticipation of the time when the vaccine supply will be adequate to make international distribution possible." It also advances the population-based distribution strategy noted in President Eisenhower's 31 May statement, including a state-by-state estimate of milliliters of vaccine required to vaccinate all children in the 5-9 age group.

The idea of proportionate allocation of limited vaccine doses had been discussed within the administration since April but was controversial in light of data showing higher polio rates in specific regions of the United States, particularly in Texas, the Midwest, and the Rocky Mountain region. (See Document A, Figure 4).

Dr. William A. Spencer of Houston, TX, founder of one of the nation's first and most highly regarded polio treatment centers, registered his opposition to a population-based allocation program in a telegram to President Eisenhower only a few days after the vaccine was approved (Document K).

Document K - Telegram from W.A. Spencer, Southwestern Poliomyelitis Respiratory Center, to President Eisenhower, 15 April 1955

Ultimately, the recommendation to deliver polio vaccine doses on the basis of population was not changed. Another recommendation, for legislation permitting federal grants to states to support vaccination programs (Document L) was also followed, establishing much of the framework upon which subsequent polio vaccination efforts would be based.

Document L - Text of S. 2501, To Allow Federal Grants to States for Vaccine Purchases, 13 July 1955

Continue to Postscript - Polio Prevention after Jonas Salk