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The Race for a Cure: How Vaccines Were Developed for 4 Deadly Diseases

By: Gareth Williams
Originally Published in  HistoryExtra

The development of vaccines to combat some of history’s most dangerous diseases has been nothing short of revolutionary. From Edward Jenner's groundbreaking work on smallpox to the global battle against polio, here are four key efforts that shaped the course of modern medicine.

The article "The Race for a Cure: How Vaccines Were Developed for 4 Deadly Diseases" by BBC's HistoryExtra explores the history of vaccines, starting with Edward Jenner's fight against smallpox in 1798. The article highlights the challenges and triumphs in developing vaccines against smallpox, rabies, tuberculosis, and polio.

Student Article Info

BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.

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Close-up of a syringe extracting a vaccine from a vial
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 900-1100L
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000–1400L
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