Impfen erzwingen: Mündige Bürger*innen und säumige Landespolitiker in der Vorarlberger Poliomyelitis-Epidemie von 1958

1958, three years before the nationwide implementation of governmentally organised mass vaccination campaign against poliomyelitis using Sabin’s vaccine, Austrian federal province Vorarlberg was seized by an outbreak infantile paralysis. Due to enormous number infections and high mortality rate, this epidemic most severe in history Vorarlberg. In spring regional authorities provinces started programs serial vaccinations Salk vaccine. On account expenses expected, government Vorarlberg, however, chose not follow example its neighbouring countries refused organise a comprehensive campaign. Given these circumstances, citizens, physicians, medical societies requested immediately launch public immunisation programme. Their demands were communicated governmental via newspaper Vorarlberger Nachrichten. After introduction into epidemiology polio state vaccine paper analyses 80 articles from that published between August December 1958. As result, highlights throughout history, did always narrative refusal context compulsory vaccination. Moreover, it argues strong demand towards fulfil political social commitments – civil request for should be interpreted as sign active citizenship. Finally, discusses influence print media times epidemic.