[The 1960 poliomyelitis vaccination campaign in the GDR using the example of the city of Halle (Saale): historical experiences and problems].

In the 1950s, the epidemic occurrence of infantile paralysis (poliomyelitis) posed major challenges to health systems worldwide. Since there was no causal therapy for the viral disease, exposure prophylaxis was of particular importance. Ultimately, it was only through the development of vaccines that infantile paralysis could be permanently reduced.