Portrayed are the figures of a woman, a boy, a girl, and an emblem symbolizing the achievement by the American people and the medical and science professions in bringing forth an effective vaccine to prevent paralytic polio. The children represent the youth, who benefit most from this historic medical achievement. The Caduceus emblem, symbol of the medical profession and the U.S. Medical Corps, is held in the woman's hand. Poliomyelitis is an acute viral infection caused by any one of three polio viruses. Young children are most susceptible and are the most affected spreaders of the disease, but older persons can be stricken also.