Salk Polio Vaccine Conquered Terrifying Disease

Heard on Morning Edition

Fifty years ago, on April 12, 1955, the world heard one of the most eagerly anticipated announcements in medical history: Dr. Jonas Salk's polio vaccine worked. The vaccine turned a disease that once horrified America into a memory.

NPR's Joe Palca looks back at the science that created a successful vaccine -- and the people behind the medical milestone.

Listen to the interview on NPR’s website by clicking the button below.