Rural Voices / Voces del Campo

Wellbee, CDC Polio vaccine poster, 1963

This 1963 poster featured what at that time, was Communicable Disease Center’s (CDC) national symbol of public health, the Wellbee, who was depicted here, encouraging the public to receive an oral polio vaccine (OPV). CDC used Wellbee in a comprehensive marketing campaign that included newspapers, posters, leaflets, radio and television, as well as personal appearances at public health events. Wellbee’s first assignment was to sponsor Sabin Type II oral polio vaccine (OPV) campaigns across the United States. Later, Wellbee’s character was incorporated into other health promotion campaigns that included diphtheria and tetanus immunizations, hand-washing, physical fitness, and injury prevention. This artifact can be viewed, by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) David J. Sencer CDC Museum, located in Atlanta, Georgia
You Make Life What it is

This poster illustrates the Progressive Era focus on public health awareness. By framing it as an issue involving "You and Yours", the poster makes public health a personal issue.