(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Most people born before 1955, the year the polio vaccine was introduced, can remember the fear of polio and the iron lung. Those born after 1979, the year polio was officially eliminated in the United States, have limited experience with polio but may remember stories of a friend or family member who suffered its effects. The polio vaccine is a triumph of science, a testament to human resilience, and a promise to protect the health of our children and grandchildren.

However, there are some who wish to undo decades of hard fought progress against this scourge. RFK Jr. is one leader. He is being advised in choosing health care officials by his attorney, Aaron Siri. A story recently broke that Mr. Siri, petitioned the government in 2022 to revoke its approval of the polio vaccine.

This justifiably caused a lot of concern, not just among polio survivors, but among advocates of public health and among the general public. It is the responsibility of the new senate to confirm leaders for our public health. The choice between responsible and competent professionals or RFK and other vaccine deniers is theirs. Senator Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor, stated that “efforts to undermine public confidence in proven cures are not just uninformed — they’re dangerous.”

As West Virginians we are fortunate. Our new Senator Justice, while governor, supported vaccines. He led us to a very high rate of Covid inoculations. Senator Capito has gone on record as supporting the disabled community. Now, as approval of a new cabinet is being considered, it is time for us, as constituents, to demand that they affirm their support of the polio vaccine and ensure that public health institutions are led by responsible and competent professionals. Write them. Phone them. Demand protection of the polio vaccine! Make their phones ring.

I personally know the effects of polio. I live each day with paralyzed legs and decreasing abilities caused by the late effects of polio. It is my responsibility to point out the devastating potential of new polio. While polio is active anywhere, it is only one plane ride away. Good heath is arguably one of the pillars of productive living. For our own sake and especially for our children’s sake, hold the senate responsible to select competent people to lead our public health.

Warren Peascoe

Vienna