New York Times on October 29, 1956. “Singer Sets an Example for Teen-Agers.” At the time, less than one percent of American teenagers were vaccinated against polio.
Six months later, more than 80% of young Americans . Eventually, polio was eliminated. Celebrity endorsements won't be the one big push that moves Americans to get vaccines, because everyone needs to work to spread accurate information.
In the 50s and 60s, American teens to raise vaccine rates. A giant network of teen volunteers ran media campaigns, put on “Salk Hops,” and reached over color lines and financial divides.
Regular people did the work. But they needed help from household names like Elvis and Debbie Reynolds. And getting vaccinated didn't exactly snuff out Elvis'.
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