Maurice Hilleman: Vaccine Creator

Published: Oct. 11, 2021, 11:30 p.m.

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Dr Maurice Hilleman was a leading American microbiologist who specialised in vaccinology and immunology. He discovered nine vaccines that are routinely recommended for children today, rendering formerly devastating diseases practically forgotten. Considered by many to be the father of modern vaccines, Hilleman was directly involved in the development of most of the vaccines available today, including those for measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, Japanese encephalitis, pneumococcus, meningococcus and Haemophilus influenza B. His vaccines are estimated to save nearly 8 million lives a year. Despite Hilleman's many fundamental breakthroughs leading to arguably more lives saved than any other scientist in history, he has never been a household name.


Dan is joined by vaccine researcher, Paul A. Offit, who befriended Hilleman and, during the great man\\u2019s last months, interviewed him extensively about his life and career. Paul and Dan discuss Hilleman\\u2019s motivations and work ethic, his beginnings in working for the U.S. Military, the impact of \\u2018pro-disease\\u2019 activists and the genius behind the foundations for immunology.

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