Topic 5.3
How did Edward Jenner revolutionise disease prevention?
Edward Jenner’s work in 1796 marked the dawn of vaccine science, inspired by an observation from a milkmaid about cowpox. While his innovation led to the first successful smallpox vaccine, it wasn’t without controversy. From public fear to satirical caricatures, Jenner faced resistance before his methods were celebrated worldwide. Explore how his discovery not only combated smallpox but also laid the foundation for global vaccination efforts and the eventual eradication of smallpox.
Edward Jenner
Edward Jenner is known as the ‘father of immunology’ and is famous for his smallpox vaccine. This was the first successful vaccine ever to be developed.
Edward Jenner was born on May 17, 1749, in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England – he died of a stroke in 1823.
Jenner wasn’t always met with adoring fans. In 1802, a caricature appeared of Jenner treating patients and those around him sprouting cattle-like appendages.
Fears emerged about vaccination.
During the eradication of smallpox, there always had to be a last patient- Ali Maow Maalin was exposed to the disease on October 12, 1977. Ali came into contact with the disease and developed a fever. When he was first diagnosed, he was told he had chickenpox and sent home.
When it was finally evident that he had smallpox, he kept it to himself and didn’t go into isolation. He came into contact with 91 people during his illness.
The WHO (World Health Organisation) took precautions to stop the rekindling of the disease. They did a massive search and found all 91 people. No one got ill, and two years after watching the area carefully, smallpox was declared gone.