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Polio's Threat Resurfaces Amid Vaccine Hesitancy on CBS

2/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

CBS News Sunday Morning airs Sundays at 9:00 a.m. ET and streams at 11:00 a.m. on the CBS News app.
The show includes a cover story on polio's potential return from vaccine avoidance, with Dr. Jonathan LaPook and violinist Itzhak Perlman.
The program honors Robert Duvall and Jesse Jackson.
It also covers the Studio Museum in Harlem's legacy and the emotional journeys of athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

History

Historical Context

The announcement of Jonas Salk's polio vaccine on April 12, 1955, marked a pivotal moment in public health, leading to a 90% reduction in polio cases in the U.S. within two years. This success followed years of devastating epidemics, including 58,000 cases in 1952. Today, concerns about vaccine hesitancy echo historical challenges, underscoring the need for continued vaccination efforts to prevent disease resurgence.

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Story summary

CBS News Sunday Morning airs Sundays at 9:00 a.m. ET and streams at 11:00 a.m. on the CBS News app.
The show includes a cover story on polio's potential return from vaccine avoidance, with Dr. Jonathan LaPook and violinist Itzhak Perlman.
The program honors Robert Duvall and Jesse Jackson.
It also covers the Studio Museum in Harlem's legacy and the emotional journeys of athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

1 / 2