About Jonas Salk
Early Life
Jonas Salk was born in New York City, New York on October 28, 1914. He grew up in the poor side of New York and his parents worked in the garment district. Although his family did not have very much money, Dr. Salk's parents were very supportive of his school work and encouraged him to apply himself to school and his studies.
Working with the Polio Vaccine
In 1947, Dr. Salk began his research at University of Pittsburgh, and in 1951, he had developed a "killed virus" vaccine that used polio viruses that had been grown in a lab and then destroyed, which would, once used as a vaccine, would safely and effectively cure the polio virus. Testing of the vaccine began in 1952 and lasted two years. It became one of the biggest clinical trials in history. Over two million children were administered with the vaccine during its test phase. In 1955, the vaccine was released to the public and Dr. Jonas Salk became a modern day 'superhero.'
Later Years
After Dr. Salk discovered the polio vaccine, he began to research the cures of other diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer, and AIDS/HIV. In 1967, Dr. Salk built the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where scientists continue to research the cures of modern day diseases.
Early Life
Jonas Salk was born in New York City, New York on October 28, 1914. He grew up in the poor side of New York and his parents worked in the garment district. Although his family did not have very much money, Dr. Salk's parents were very supportive of his school work and encouraged him to apply himself to school and his studies.
Working with the Polio Vaccine
In 1947, Dr. Salk began his research at University of Pittsburgh, and in 1951, he had developed a "killed virus" vaccine that used polio viruses that had been grown in a lab and then destroyed, which would, once used as a vaccine, would safely and effectively cure the polio virus. Testing of the vaccine began in 1952 and lasted two years. It became one of the biggest clinical trials in history. Over two million children were administered with the vaccine during its test phase. In 1955, the vaccine was released to the public and Dr. Jonas Salk became a modern day 'superhero.'
Later Years
After Dr. Salk discovered the polio vaccine, he began to research the cures of other diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer, and AIDS/HIV. In 1967, Dr. Salk built the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where scientists continue to research the cures of modern day diseases.