Student Article

Vaccines have been a key part of medical history for centuries, starting with Edward Jenner’s discovery in 1798.

The beginning of vaccinations

Jenner found that by injecting people with cowpox — a mild disease from cow s— he could protect them from the much deadlier smallpox. This groundbreaking discovery marked the beginning of vaccinations, which have since saved millions of lives worldwide.

Advancements in the 19th Century

Over the next century, scientists like Louis Pasteur developed vaccines for diseases like rabies and anthrax, which were known for being deadly and difficult to treat. Pasteur used a process called "attenuation" to weaken the viruses, making them safer for vaccination. His work revolutionized how we think about preventing infectious diseases.

Fighting tuberculosis

Another important development came in the fight against tuberculosis, a disease that had long been a major killer. In the 1920s, Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin created the BCG vaccine, which was the first to protect against tuberculosis. It took years of trial and error before the vaccine was ready, but it proved to be a major success.

Polio vaccine success

The development of the polio vaccine in the 1950s was another huge victory for medicine. Jonas Salk’s vaccine helped eradicate polio in many countries, preventing millions of cases of paralysis. Despite setbacks, such as vaccine contamination, the success of these vaccines paved the way for modern immunization programs.

Ongoing challenges and global health

These breakthroughs in vaccine development not only saved millions of lives but also transformed how we handle infectious diseases. However, despite these successes, there has always been some resistance to vaccination, with critics questioning its safety and effectiveness.

© Gareth Williams / www.historyextra.com