Unsung History of Vaccine Development and the Overcoming of Chickenpox
The Smallpox Vaccine Factors into Vaccine HistoryWhile early records of doctors attempting to inoculate against certain diseases exist as far back as 1000 CE in India and China, it was not until the 1700s that the first successful vaccine was created, against smallpox. This vaccine was first presented by the British-based doctor Edward Jenner in 1796.Jenner believed that if people were exposed to cowpox, a virus related to smallpox, they would become immune to smallpox. He subsequently infected eight-year-old James Phipps with cowpox, later on exposing him to smallpox without infecting him. This proved the success of the treatment, which afterwards became known as vaccination.Chickenpox Vaccine – the Unsung Hero of Vaccine PreventionOriginally discovered and vaccined against in the early 19th century, chickenpox was successful in the pretargeted goal of reducing the natural spreading of the virus. Despite the successful prevention of the spread through an early vaccination, the development of the vaccine and recognition of this accomplishment has received much less acknowledgement in history than that of smallpox. The underlying reason for this is due to many conclusions of the general public. Since the vaccination is not required in 39 out of the 50 United States, chickenpox is often seen as a mild virus. This perception allows few parents to recognize the years of scientific study needed to make the vaccine a reality. The Credit & Recognition that is DeservedThroughout the 20th century, there was a shift in the public’s opinion when evidence of autoimmune disease such as arthritis and encephalitis caused by the varicella virus, particularly in adults, became undeniable. This shift was no doubt due to the promotion of the childhood virus being of a much severe nature when contracted at later stages of life. Therefore, the recognition and credit due to the hardworking scientists and doctors should be more well-known.Final Thoughts & Conclusions The development of the chickenpox vaccine has been instrumental to the prevention of the virus, and has been just as successful as the smallpox vaccine. Despite this, the contribution of those responsible for this discovery and its successful operation has gone significantly unnoticed. It is vital that we recognize the contributions of the scientists and doctors responsible for this, for their work has saved thousands of lives around the world.