Jonas Salk

medicine · vaccines · polio · hero scientist

Invented polio vaccine. Jonas Salk developed one of the first successful polio vaccines, which protected people from a disease that could paralyze them or worse. His vaccine was given by injection and helped stop polio from spreading around the world.

New York roots. Salk was born and grew up in New York City, and he studied at City College of New York and New York University School of Medicine. His education in his home city helped shape him into the scientist who would make a huge discovery.

Virus expert. Salk was a virologist, which means he studied viruses, the tiny germs that cause diseases. His deep knowledge of how viruses work helped him figure out how to create a vaccine against polio.

Millions saved. Before Salk's vaccine, polio paralyzed thousands of children every year around the world. His discovery helped protect millions of people and eventually made polio extremely rare.