Histoire, Médecine et Santé (May 2023)

« Débarrasser la France de la poliomyélite »

  • Baptiste Baylac-Paouly

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4000/hms.6880
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23
pp. 145 – 160

Abstract

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This article discusses the means of communication and information deployed by the Institut Mérieux in Lyon to promote polio vaccination in France in the 1960s. As the producer of the two polio vaccines (Lépine and Sabin vaccines) used at the time, the Lyon-based institute sought to mobilize the medical and scientific community and the political world against this disease for which mandatory vaccination had just been adopted. Eventually, Institut Mérieux wanted a national information and vaccination campaign to be set up. In the end, the perception of poliomyelitis and the awareness of its seriousness and repercussions were entirely associated with its prevention through vaccination.

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