This site is dedicated to all who have an interest in paralytic conditions impairing limbs, in particular polio, post polio syndrome, with an emphasis on post polio paralytic sequelae.
The fight to eradicate polio had many unsung heroes, and it sounds very much like he was one such. It sounds like Dr. Salk was not so fair to him.
May he rest in piece.
I am linking here a highly educational and fascinating interview, particularly starting at the 42nd minute on the development of the vaccine and the cases of vaccine induced polio.
Notice also the story of virus after improper inactivation batches starting around that 42nd minute at the Cutter Labs in Oakland CA what is known as the Cutter incident from Cutter Labs produce vaccine because Salk would not report the problem with the method of production of the vaccine so as not to ever so slightly dim his glory. Apparently the result was 250 kids unnecessarily died (or 10? and 164 paralyzed). The Cutter incident seems to be the seeds of the anti vaccine movement.
The Sabin Vaccine (live polio) apparently was what caused the cases of Vaccine Induced Polio after the 60s, as it was the form most prevalent from the early 60s until 2000 when the US switched back to inactivated version of the vaccine (Salk variety of the vaccine)
I am very proud that Harvardwood Press has published its anthology containing my short story "Too Much," on how I got polio, and I invite all friends to get a copy of it. Indeed I got polio AFTER getting the polio vaccine, in one of the cases known as Vaccine Induced Polio (VIP) coupled with medical malpractice and contemptuous medical behavior. See WHO link to the various forms of vaccine related polio infections)
While I may disagree with Trump on many many issues, and agree with the NY Times on perhaps many more issues, based on my own life experience with polio, I could not help but be more sympathetic to Trump's arguments during that debate, especially as there has been recent speculation that Trump's youngest son, Baron, is autistic. This may also explain why this may be a side issue that is emotionally very resonant and for which the pain is personal. I know this firsthand having written about how skeptics of polio vaccines are being treated, and proposing solutions for those who end up being harmed by vaccines in general. This is a complex debate, and the arguments for vaccines are overwhelming. Indeed, I am all for vaccines, done safely. I also believe means for the very small percentage who get harmed by those vaccines so that the greater number shall live safe must be cared for and their sacrifice acknoleged and somehow compensated.
Having watched the debate where Trump actually made those remarks, (see above) and the full context within which those remarks were made, I do find that the NY Times segment unfairly caricatures Trump's positions on the issue, and fails to put them into the context Trump clearly explained at the debate.
To note, in France on this February 8, 2017, the "Conseil d'Etat," the highest court that decides disputes involving the French Government just issued a ruling compelling the governemnt to swiftly make availble unbundled vaccines that separate the mandatory vaccines in France, those against Diphteria, Teanos and Polio (DTP) from the optional ones (i.e against Whooping Cough (Coqueluche), Hepatitis B, and Influenza type B. Due to some allergic reactions, the pure DTP vaccines had been withdrawn from the market, so that everyone was compelled by default to have their child vaccinated with the six vaccines at once. Two of my very close childhood friends who live in France have minor children who have been diagnosed as autistic. Actually one has both of his children who are autistic.
Anyone who follows the history of medicine, would know that today's medical prescription may well be tomorrow's medical proscriptions. Like anything in life, too much of anything, or anything taken the wrong way-- antibiotics, vaccines -- is potentially harmful.
Saying so should not lead to opprobrium. Alas powerful interests!
