NOVA Season 15 Episode 21 Can You Still Get Polio?

In season 15, episode 21 of NOVA, titled "Can You Still Get Polio?," viewers are taken on a journey through the history and current state of polio, a virus that once devastated communities across the world but has now been largely eradicated.

The episode begins by highlighting the impact that polio had on society in the early 1900s, with images of children in iron lungs and accounts of families being forced to quarantine themselves to avoid infection. Viewers are introduced to Dr. Jonas Salk, the scientist behind the first polio vaccine, and learn about the groundbreaking work that went into its development.

Following this, the episode examines the success of global polio vaccination efforts, which have reduced polio cases by over 99% since 1988. However, despite this progress, the episode raises the question of whether polio has truly been eradicated. Viewers are shown how different strains of the virus have emerged in recent years, with outbreaks occurring in parts of Africa and Asia.

The episode also explores the phenomena of vaccine refusal and vaccine hesitancy, which have become increasingly prevalent in many parts of the world. Viewers are shown how these attitudes can have lasting consequences on public health, and how misinformation about vaccinations can be dangerous.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a variety of experts and individuals who have been impacted by polio. These include survivors of polio, who offer firsthand accounts of the disease's effects on the body and mind, as well as healthcare workers who have witnessed the virus's impact on communities.

Overall, "Can You Still Get Polio?" offers a comprehensive look at the history and current state of polio, highlighting both the progress that has been made as well as the challenges that remain. By offering a range of perspectives and expert insights, the episode helps viewers better understand the complexities of eradicating a disease like polio, and the ongoing importance of vaccination efforts.