Smallpox vaccine

The smallpox vaccine has a significant place in medical history as the pioneer vaccine formulated to combat a contagious disease. Its development is primarily credited to British physician Edward Jenner, who in 1796 demonstrated that exposure to the relatively benign cowpox virus could provide immunity against the lethal smallpox virus.

Vial of smallpox vaccine

Historical Development

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The cowpox virus served as a natural vaccine for many years before the advent of a more advanced smallpox vaccine in the 20th century. Jenner's discovery, sometimes called vaccination from the Latin "vacca" for cow, led to a significant decline in smallpox cases, paving the way for the eventual eradication of the disease.

Eradication of Smallpox

From 1958 to 1977, the World Health Organization (WHO) undertook a global vaccination campaign that successfully wiped out smallpox, marking it as the only human disease ever to be eradicated. The last known natural case was reported in Somalia in 1977.

Current Usage

Despite the eradication of smallpox, the production of the smallpox vaccine continues. While routine vaccination is no longer administered to the general population, stocks of the vaccine are maintained as a precautionary measure against potential threats such as bioterrorism, biological warfare, and to manage other related diseases like monkeypox.

See Also

• Edward Jenner
• World Health Organization
• Vaccine
• Bioterrorism
• Biological warfare
• Monkeypox

References

Smallpox vaccine Resources
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