The development of the Salk polio vaccine represents one of the most important milestones in the history of medicine. Jonas Salk and his team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh succeeded in creating a vaccine that contributed to the eventual eradication of polio in the United States. On April 12, 1955, the vaccine was officially declared “safe, effective and potent” in an announcement that gave hope that polio could be conquered.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Salk polio vaccine, the University of Pittsburgh is planning many events, including a commemorative reception on April 10 and a scientific symposium on April 11-12, 2005.