The History of Vaccination

The smallpox vaccine was the first successful vaccine to be developed. Edward Jenner, an English physician, created it in 1796 by using material from cowpox pustules.

Jenner observed that milkmaids who had contracted cowpox did not catch smallpox. He hypothesized that cowpox provided immunity against the deadlier smallpox.

Jenner tested his hypothesis on 8-year-old James Phipps by exposing him to cowpox, then smallpox. James did not develop smallpox, proving Jenner's theory.

The term 'vaccine' derives from the Latin 'vaccinus', meaning 'from the cow', reflecting the source of the virus used in the smallpox vaccine.

Smallpox is the first disease to be eradicated through vaccination. The World Health Organization declared it eradicated in 1980 after a successful global immunization campaign.

In early trials, orphans and prisoners were often used for vaccine testing, a practice unthinkable today.