Sabin vaccine: The oral polio vaccine. The first vaccine against poliomyelitis was introduced by Dr. Jonas Salk in 1955, was given by injection and required 4 "shots." The oral form of the vaccine, subsequently developed by Dr. Albert Sabin, is in standard use today since it is easier to administer and is more effective than the Salk vaccine. The Salk vaccine is now exclusively of historic interest. Although Albert Sabin's vaccine prevailed, Salk's name is better known, in part because of the attendant publicity he received and the Salk Institute in LaJolla, California (founded by the National Foundation/ March of Dimes).
