A new exhibit curated by the William A. Neal Museum of the Health Sciences, “History & Impact of Pediatric Vaccines,” is now open at the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital and is free for students, faculty, staff, and community to visit.
From highlighting failed early attempts at a flu vaccine to how beloved children’s movies have connections to pediatric vaccines, the exhibit explores the history of several major pediatric vaccines and the impact they have had in improving the health of children in the U.S. Beyond documenting the broader impact of pediatric vaccines, the exhibit also provides an opportunity to reflect on West Virginia’s own journey and contributions to vaccination and disease prevention.
The exhibit displays objects from the Neal Museum collection, the West Virginia & Regional History Center, and the Cook-Hayman Pharmacy Museum, including a “Polio Pioneers” pin and early smallpox vaccine.
Visit the exhibit in the lobby of WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital to explore the development of pediatric vaccines from the first vaccine against smallpox in 1796 to the familiar vaccines of the modern pediatric vaccine schedule.
For more information about the Neal Museum or the exhibit, and how to visit the museum to see any of its exhibits, learn more at nealmuseum.wvu.edu.