Maurice Hilleman

Maurice Hilleman (August 30, 1919 – April 11, 2005) was an American microbiologist who specialized in vaccinology and developed over 40 vaccines, an unparalleled record of productivity. Of the 14 vaccines routinely recommended in current vaccine schedules, Hilleman developed eight: those for measles, mumps, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, chickenpox, meningitis, pneumonia, and Haemophilus influenzae bacteria.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Hilleman was born on August 30, 1919, in Miles City, Montana. He was the eighth of nine children. His parents were Anna and Gustav Hillemann, and his family owned a farm. He changed the spelling of his surname to Hilleman when he reached adulthood. He earned his undergraduate degree from Montana State University in molecular biology and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in microbiology.

Career[edit | edit source]

Hilleman joined Merck & Co. in 1957, where he would remain for much of his career. His work on vaccines at Merck has been described as a "gold standard" in the field. His most famous achievement is the development of the MMR vaccine, which combined protections against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Hilleman's work is widely regarded as a major advance in the field of vaccinology. His vaccines have saved millions of lives and his research has contributed significantly to the understanding of infectious diseases. His legacy continues to influence the field of vaccinology and he is considered one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.