March of Dimes Doc Cambridge University + several radiospots

[MikeFromHolland]

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Posted on YouTube by Cambridge University on April 23, 2016.

A rise in the number of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases has highlighted the growing trend for parents not to have their child vaccinated. Could the activities of a group of teenagers against polio in 1950s America inspire a fresh look at the effectiveness of pro-vaccine public health information campaigns?

Today, thanks to a global effort to eradicate polio, only two countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan) remain polio-endemic. It was a very different situation when the Salk vaccine was licensed in 1955.

In this film, released in World Immunization Week (24-30 April 2016), University of Cambridge historian Dr Stephen Mawdsley describes how the vaccine’s success was threatened in the USA by ‘vaccine hesitancy’. In 1957, as many as 30% of people still had no inoculations, and a third of all new cases were in teens.

He uncovers how young people themselves – and Elvis Presley – became the answer to the problem, in what might be the first, largest and most successful case of teen health activism of the time. The fight waged against vaccine noncompliance in 1950s America, he suggests, could provide important lessons for the world today.

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Posted on YouTube by chad keener on April 24, 2016.

Several radio spots and pictures of Elvis speaking about the March of Dimes charity. Includes pictures of Elvis receiving his own Polio vaccination and his numerous encounters with kids with polio. Also includes audio from the rare "March of Dimes - Galaxy of the Stars" interview record.

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And for more background and photos:

http://www.elvisechoesofthepast.com/elvis-and-march-of-dimes-charity-work-in-the-50s/

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[MikeFromHolland]

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LETTER: Fifty years on, we need a new Elvis
by IN&A Staff | Jul 5, 2016 | Letters | 0 comments



Following the development of the new Salk Polio vaccine, Elvis Presley, then at the peak of his powers in 1956, was asked to become a figurehead for Polio vaccination. By agreeing to be vaccinated in front of the press, he instantly spread awareness of the disease and it’s potentially deadly consequences. Now, fifty years later, the Polio movement needs another ‘Elvis moment’ to confront Post Polio Syndrome (PPS).
Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) is a neurological condition which can occur in up to 80% of those who have had Polio.

While Polio remains a problem, there were just 74 cases worldwide in the last year. With the war against Polio close to being won, it is now time for PPS’s ‘Elvis moment’.
A lack of recognition and awareness is causing serious problems for people living with a condition that affects 120,000 people in the UK alone. With symptoms including fatigue, muscle pain, cold intolerance, and breathing difficulties, PPS is always painful and often life-altering. Yet with just 55 per cent of doctors able to diagnose the condition, many patients are failing to receive the help that could significantly improve their lives.

In the absence of an Elvis-like figurehead to spread the word of PPS, The British Polio Fellowship has produced a guide entitled Post Polio Syndrome: A guide to management for health care professionals. You can get a copy for free on our website or by calling us, and I would highly recommend anyone who thinks they might have PPS to read a copy and to show it to their doctor.

If you would like more information about The British Polio Fellowship or need our or support living with PPS, please contact us at http://www.britishpolio.org.uk or by calling 0800 043 1935.

Ted Hill MBE (pictured)
CEO, The British Polio Fellowship

Source: http://www.islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk/letter-50-years-need-new-elvis/

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[Steve Morse]

Fascinating and very informative.

Thanks, Mike.

[MikeFromHolland]

Fascinating and very informative.

Thanks, Mike.

You're welcome. Who would have thought Elvis' contribution would still echo some 60 years later...

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