Salk Polio Vaccine, Mahoney Strain

Salk Polio Vaccine, Mahoney Strain

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Description
Jonas Salk first tested his polio vaccine on humans in July 1952 when he inoculated thirty children at the D. T. Watson Home for Crippled Children near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These children had already had polio, so Salk's test was designed to prove that his vaccine would create a higher level of immunity than a natural infection. Salk also tested his vaccine on residents of the Polk State Home and on himself and members of his laboratory staff.
This vial contains residue of polio vaccine from these first tests. The polio virus exists in hundreds of different strains, all of which fall into three major types. A complete vaccine must contain a strain from each of these three types. However, the children at the Watson Home received only one type of vaccine matching the strain of their original polio infection. This vial is labeled for the Mahoney strain (Type I).
The Mahoney strain of the polio virus was isolated in 1941 from three children in the Mahoney family of Akron, Ohio. The children themselves were asymptomatic although they had been in contact with some serious cases of poliomyelitis.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
biological
vaccine, polio
date made
1952
maker
Salk, Jonas E.
place made
United States: Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh
Physical Description
vaccine residue, polio virus (overall, drug ingredient)
glass (overall, container material)
Measurements
overall: 5.5 cm x 2.3 cm; 2 3/16 in x 7/8 in
ID Number
MG.221419.04
catalog number
221419.04
accession number
221419
Credit Line
Gift of The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis
subject
Vaccines
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Health & Medicine
The Antibody Initiative
National Treasures exhibit
Antibody Initiative: Polio
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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Comments

What is the source or meaning of the name "Mahoney"? Thanks,

Gilad Doitsh

Thu, 2020-10-01 09:34

What company manufactured the glass vial?

Susan morse

Thu, 2015-07-09 16:55

The larger of the three glass vials was manufactured by the T.C. Wheaton Company. I believe the other two are also from this company.

Diane Wendt

Mon, 2015-08-31 18:11

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