Let's honor Elvis and the lives he saved by supporting vaccines

The day that Elvis died (assuming he did) – 39 years ago today, Aug. 16, 1977 – was a pretty big deal. Not as well remembered was the day – Oct. 28, 1956 – that he got a polio shot.

by Janet Golden, PhD

Published Aug. 16, 2016, 6:30 a.m. ET

Not as well remembered was the day – Oct. 28, 1956 – that he got a polio shot.

Elvis Presley was 21 years old. The event, staged at CBS studios by the New York City health department, made the national television evening news and the New York Times. Photos suggest that he was having a blast.

I miss Elvis, the King of Vaccines.

Editor's Note: This story was revised to correct how long ago it was that Elvis died. It was 39 years ago, not 29.