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Polio's Decline Threatened by Vaccine Skepticism and Low Rates

1/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Polio, once a devastating force paralyzing 20,000 Americans each year, has seen a dramatic decline thanks to vaccines, with only one case reported in the last decade. Yet, waning vaccination rates raise fears of a comeback. Meanwhile, vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questions the effectiveness of this lifesaving intervention.

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Story summary

Polio, once a devastating force paralyzing 20,000 Americans each year, has seen a dramatic decline thanks to vaccines, with only one case reported in the last decade. Yet, waning vaccination rates raise fears of a comeback. Meanwhile, vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questions the effectiveness of this lifesaving intervention.