In the context of the history of poliomyelitis epidemics and the damage they have left behind, the article takes into consideration the development of the epidemiological situation in Bulgaria before and after the discovery of vaccines and the start of mass immunization. The main focus is placed on the institutions and the policies of the Bulgarian socialist health care system from the middle of the 20th century in regard to the control of the epidemic spread of the disease and the rehabilitation of the already disabled. The study is based on official documents from the state archives.