The Story For the first half of the 20th century, the threat of paralysing poliomyelitis (polio) was an annual threat to Canadians and much of the developed world. Over the decades polio epidemics became increasingly severe and the average age of people affected rose. For many sufferers, the virus paralysed the muscles in the limbs, … More Iron Lung (From the Collection #26)
There is significant public debate over the merits and risk of vaccinations, much of which is fueled by inflammatory rhetoric rather than facts and science. This debate has raged ever since the first vaccine for smallpox was proposed by Dr. Edward Jenner in the 1790s and, doubtless, it will continue as new vaccines are developed. … More Vaccines and Immunization: Epidemics, Prevention, and Canadian Innovation
Vaccination as a deliberate attempt to protect humans against disease has a short history. In spite of this, vaccination has had a major effect on the reduction of mortality and length of life. … More History of Health Care: Vaccination
