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    1796Smallpox

    History of smallpox: Outbreaks and vaccine timeline

    Learn about the development, use and impact of the smallpox vaccine.

    Dr. Edward Jenner
    Dr. Edward Jenner

    Dr. Edward Jenner vaccinates his child against smallpox.

    1796

    Dr. Edward Jenner finds that vaccination with the cowpox virus can protect a person from smallpox infection and creates a smallpox vaccine. He publishes his findings in 1798.

    Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse
    Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse

    Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse gives the first smallpox vaccinations in the U.S.

    1800

    Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse gives the smallpox vaccine to his son and other family members. These smallpox vaccinations are the first in the U.S.

    1855

    Massachusetts is the first state to require that children have a smallpox vaccine before going to school to prevent the spread of smallpox in schools.

    1980

    The World Health Organization (WHO) declares smallpox eliminated worldwide due to vaccinations. Smallpox vaccination ends. Before the smallpox vaccine, smallpox had been considered one of the deadliest infectious diseases. About 300 million people died of smallpox in the 20th century.

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