American History Tellers Conquering Polio | The Cutter Fiasco | 3
Jan 21, 2026
In 1954, first graders in Virginia became part of a massive polio vaccine trial, marking the largest peacetime health mobilization. Tensions rose as scientific rivals debated vaccine safety, leading to public skepticism and sensational media coverage. After a hopeful announcement of success, chaos erupted with the Cutter Fiasco, where contaminated doses sparked fear and halted vaccinations. The aftermath prompted sweeping reforms in health oversight, while the eventual adoption of the Sabin oral vaccine paved the way for polio's near eradication.
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Child Paralyzed Days After Vaccine
- A mother in Pocatello holds her paralyzed seven-year-old who got polio days after vaccination, fearing something went wrong.
- The doctor suggests bad timing as the likely cause while ordering tests and monitoring closely.
Privately Run National Vaccine Trial
- The 1954 Salk trial was a privately run, unprecedented national mobilization led by the NFIP, not the federal government.
- The Foundation coordinated factories, counties, and volunteers to run the double-blind field trial on millions of children.
Gossip Broadcast Sparks Vaccine Doubt
- Walter Winchell's April 4, 1954 broadcast accused the vaccine of being a killer and exaggerated failed batches.
- His claims sparked withdrawals by medical societies and prompted 150,000 parents to pull children from the trial.
