History of Vaccines

The American Historical Association (AHA) hosted a Congressional Briefing offering historical perspectives on vaccines. The briefing took place on Wednesday, February 11, at 9:00 a.m. in Rayburn House Office Building Room 2044.

Panelists Elena Conis (Univ. of California, Berkeley), David M. Oshinsky (New York Univ.), and  Michael Willrich (Brandeis Univ.) discussed the history of vaccines against diseases including smallpox, polio, and measles. The briefing also explored the public’s perception of vaccines and how the role of the federal government in vaccine development and distribution has changed over time. Sarah Weicksel, AHA executive director, served as moderator.

You can access the handout developed for the briefing in the AHA’s Resource Library. The recording is available on the AHA’s Youtube channel or below.

The AHA’s Congressional Briefings series seeks to provide Congressional staff members, journalists, and other members of the policy community with the historical context essential to understanding contemporary issues. The sessions are strictly nonpartisan and avoid advancing particular policy prescriptions or legislative agendas. For more information, please visit the AHA’s website.