What was the Epidemiological Impact of the Polio Vaccine?
Before the introduction of Salk's vaccine, polio was a major public health challenge, causing widespread epidemics that led to paralysis and death worldwide. The introduction of the vaccine in the 1950s dramatically reduced the incidence of polio, transforming it from a feared disease into a rare occurrence. By the late 20th century, polio had been eradicated in most parts of the world, showcasing the vaccine's effectiveness in disease prevention and control.