Looking back... Polio Week awareness campaign

A Polio Week campaign in East Antrim was organised by Antrim County Health Committee in May 1959.

The initiative was organised to raise awareness of the need for vaccination.

It was aimed at the 16 to 25 year old age group as just six per cent had taken advantage of this protection against the disease.

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According to the report, half of all deaths from polio had been among this age group.

Posters erected around the town warned of “no more dancing, sports and useless limbs” if polio was contracted.

Times of vaccination clinics were to be announced by clergymen from local pulpits during Sunday church services.

Vaccination cards were to be made available at cinemas and dance halls.

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