Watch CBS News

Vaccine

sm-d-forair-aubrey-plasma-051020-10-482305-640x360.jpg

Using plasma transfusions to treat COVID-19

Convalescent plasma – using a transfusion of blood with antibodies donated by recovered patients – may just be a stop-gap measure against COVID-19 until more treatments and a vaccine come along. But doctors have already used donated plasma on thousands of patients, and are finding some success with a procedure that dates back more than 120 years in the fight against the spread of disease. Allison Aubrey, of National Public Radio, reports.

sm-c-polioironlungs-2061546-640x360.jpg

Conquering the polio epidemic

Near the start of the 20th century, a mysterious and deadly virus terrified Americans, particularly infecting young kids: Polio. Correspondent Rita Braver looks at the scientific arsenal brought to combat the epidemic and develop a vaccine, and talks with documentary filmmaker Carl Kurlander ("The Shot Felt 'Round the World"); Dr. Paul Duprex, who is trying to replicate Dr. Jonas Salk’s success in his research for a vaccine for COVID-19; and Joanne Yager, who survived polio as a teenager and now, at 83, runs a support group for polio survivors in Arizona called Polio Epic Tucson.

Show More
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue