Children recovering from polio in the Greymouth Hospital in a purpose built bath, watched by nurses.1937.

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DescriptionChildren recovering from polio in the Greymouth Hospital in a purpose built bath, watched by nurses.

Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19370609-57-05Photographer Auckland Weekly NewsDate of Photo1937-06-09Map^[1]External LinkAUCKLAND LIBRARYContributorHeather Newby

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Location (city or town)GreymouthLandmark (Place)Greymouth HospitalOrganisation (eg business)Greymouth Hospital

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Category TagHospital

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Date Created17th September 2025CommentsJean Mehrtens
No vaccines til 58 or 59 - received an injection at Kumara Junction primary school … still remember shock at procedure.

Peter Armstrong
Jean Mehrtens I remember receiving what was called the Polio sip, a pink medicine in a small waxed paper cup or should I say thimble

John Flattery-donohoe
guess i was very lucky as i lost the use of my legs for a few days when 3yrs old .i contacted polio fever .can out of it with a few things wrong but because i was always into my sport and work at a young age things seemed to slowly overide them . lucky me.

Hails Long
John Flattery-donohoeJohn Flattery-donohoe I thought polio never got to new zealand

PJ Spence
Hails Long - was in Burwood Orthopedic ward in the mid 50's - two of the young guys there, same age were there suffering from polio - legs in splints, etc.

Hails Long
PJ SpencePJ Spence wow. I'm sister was in a splints first 8weeks of year.. Burwood is a wonderful place for therapy..

David Howe
I have corrected my previous comments. The Salk vaccine came first, an injection, and the Sabin came next which was a small drink. I had it back to front. More senior moment stuff ! Sorry.

Jean Mehrtens
No vaccines til 58 or 59 - received an injection at Kumara Junction primary school … still remember shock at procedure.

Peter Armstrong
Jean Mehrtens I remember receiving what was called the Polio sip, a pink medicine in a small waxed paper cup or should I say thimble

David Howe
I was in my first year at school in Pahiatua, 1947, and the schools all closed down in the summer months to avoid children getting, and spreading polio. It was thought in those days that it was something to do with the sun, but later on it was found to be a virus. The Salk vaccine was the first and administered with a needle, but then the Sabin vaccine came, and it was a small drink. I was a working man when that came out and i had that.

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Children recovering from polio in the Greymouth Hospital in a purpose built bath, watched by nurses.1937.

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