Polio Nearly Eliminated in US Faces Risk from Vaccine Avoidance

In Brief

Polio was nearly eliminated in the US but vaccine avoidance may increase risk of its return, experts say.

Key Facts

• Polio was nearly eliminated in the United States after decades of routine childhood vaccination, according to CBS News
• The polio virus previously caused paralysis in many affected individuals, as noted by CBS News
• Violinist Itzhak Perlman, who contracted polio as a child, has spoken about the disease's impact, according to CBS News
• CBS News reports that current vaccine avoidance trends may allow polio to return in the US
• David Oshinsky, author of 'Polio: An American Story,' has discussed concerns about vaccination rates, according to CBS News

What Happened

According to CBS News, after decades of routine childhood vaccination, polio was nearly eliminated in the United States. However, CBS News reports that recent trends of vaccine avoidance have raised concerns among experts about the possible return of the disease. Individuals affected by polio, such as violinist Itzhak Perlman, have shared their perspectives on the implications of declining vaccination rates.

Why It Matters

CBS News highlights that the near elimination of polio in the US was a significant public health achievement that prevented paralysis and death. The report notes that declining vaccination rates could undermine this progress and increase the risk of polio outbreaks. Public health officials emphasize the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to protect communities, according to CBS News.