Austrian Vaccine Diplomacy. A Cold War Mission against Poliomyelitis

In 1960, Austria initiated diplomatic relations across the Iron Curtain to explore possibility of ordering oral polio vaccine (OPV) produced in Soviet Union. The live attenuated promised enhance immunity communities and was both easier administer much cheaper than inactivated (IPV). American scientist Albert Sabin his Russian ally Mikhail Chumakow had tested new large field trials USSR at end 1950s. satisfactory results were also noticed Austria. Not only did media report on prospect eradicating but members Supreme Medical Council other leading Austrian physicians discussed Austria’s stance towards prophylaxis. This paper uses minutes as well related ministerial sources establish main conflict points debates surrounding establishment a national vaccination programme. Although negotiations with eventually unsuccessful, case diplomacy sheds light international interests cooperation fight against during Cold War.