The story of American and Soviet virologists cooperating in the creation and testing of polio vaccine is often presented as inspirational. In the context of a post-Covid 19 pandemic world that is torn apart by political division, the story of scientists reaching out across the Cold War frontlines to fight a disease which disproportionately affects most vulnerable and can cause devastating life-long consequences appears particularly relevant. Yet, it also makes re-examination of the narrative especially timely. This paper is going to do so by focusing on the relationship between medical research and political regimes. It will highlight the practicalities that drove scientists to reach out to one another. Such an examination brings to the centre uncomfortable questions about patient agency in vaccine testing, vaccine diplomacy, and large-scale vaccination programmes.
