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Smallpox had been affecting people for centuries. Because of trade routes and growing civilizations, smallpox was able to spread globally. 3 out of 10 people who got infected died. The survivors became immune to the disease. However, they were left with heavy scaring. -
Variolation was a method to acquire immunization. It was named after smallpox (variola). It worked by introducing material from smallpox pustules into a individual's arm or inhaling it through their nose. Although this method was first used in the 15th century, it was introduced to England in the 1720s. -
Dr. Edward Jenner noticed that milkmaids that had acquire cowpox (a similar virus to smallpox, yet less potent) became immune to smallpox. To test his theory, he injected a 9 year old boy with material from a milkmaid's sore. Later, he exposed the boy with smallpox multiple times, yet the boy never acquired the disease, thus creating what is now know a vaccine. -
After Jenner's discovery, he published his findings. This created interest in people to use vaccination instead of variolation. Many countries started vaccination campaigns, encouraging people to get vaccinated against smallpox. Although some people were resistant to getting vaccinated over 100,000 people were vaccinated by the 1800s. -
The first rabies vaccine was developed by two French Scientists, Louis Pasteur and Emilie Roux. Since then, the vaccines have changed. Any age group is recommended to take the vaccine. The vaccine is given by injection and help prevent the spread of rabies from animals to humans. -
In order to stop the spread of smallpox, schools required children to be vaccinated before starting school. -
In 1937 the idea to use the jet injector for vaccinations was created by accident. The jet injector worked by releasing the vaccine through a high-pressure stream. This was a very efficient for mass vaccinations, however it was later found out that the machines could become contaminated with blood borne pathogens. This is why its use was stopped. Now days, they have become single use in order to prevent contamination. -
This vaccine contains the following viruses, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. In 1949 the license for this vaccine was approved. It is administered mainly to children and through injection. -
Hypodermic needles have been around since the 19th century. Since then, they have been modified to suit medical needs. It was not until the 1950s when single-use needles became widely used due to the war. Blood shortages and polio raising popularized the use of this syringe for vaccines. -
In 1952, Jonas Salk and his team developed the first effective polio vaccine. Children were a priority during the vaccinations campaigns. Now days there are two types of polio vaccines, inactivated IPV which is given by injection, and weakened OPV which is given orally. -
The bifurcated needle was created by Dr. Benjamin Rubin. It is a thin steel rod with two spikes at the end. This needle worked by dipping it first in a liquid so a the necessary amount rests between the spikes. Then injecting the individuals arm 15 times rapidly and in a 5mm diameter. After the injection the needle was disposed accordingly. This type of vaccination was very effective and replaced jet injectors due to its safety. -
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) began the Global Smallpox Eradication Program in 1959, due to lack of funds outbreaks of smallpox continued. In 1967 the Intensified Eradication Program began with new reforms and was making progress. In 1975 the WHO announced that the world was free from smallpox thanks to vaccination. -
The hepatitis B vaccine contains the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This vaccine is given through injection and in a series of multiple shots. It is also recommended to vaccinate children as soon as they are born. Early vaccination helps reducing liver infection and even liver cancer. -
The hepatitis A vaccine helps with protection from the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This virus affects mainly the liver and it is easily transmitted to contaminated water. Children and teens are encourage to get vaccinated as soon as possible. -
MMR vaccine contains three viruses, measles, mumps, and rubella. This vaccine has prevented many deaths and illnesses by simplifying and including three vaccines into one. Also, this makes it less painful to children. -
The rotavirus vaccine is given orally and requires two or three doses. A weakened virus is used for the vaccine. This vaccine became available in the U.S. in 2006 and helped thousands of children from illnesses and death. -
The human papillomavirus vaccine protects against a variety of cancers. It is mainly promoted for girls and women since its links to cervical cancer and other female sexual organs. However, boys can be vaccinated too. -
mRNA vaccines are the latest technology. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, scientists were pressured to find a vaccine. Although this vaccine has been developed in record time, research has been done about it for a longer time. Unlike the other vaccines, mRNA do not contain the virus in any form, they contain a "spike protein".