History of Vaccines

The American Historical Association (AHA) will host a Congressional Briefing offering historical perspectives on vaccines. The briefing will take place on Wednesday, November 5, at 3:00 p.m. ET in Rayburn House Office Building Room 2075. Panelists Elena Conis (Univ. of California, Berkeley), Michael Willrich (Brandeis Univ.), and David M. Oshinsky (New York Univ.) will discuss the history of vaccines against diseases including smallpox, polio, and measles. The briefing will also explore 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, will serve as moderator. A pastry spread and drinks will be served.

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.