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When one talks about vaccinations and diseases, the first thing that comes to mind is Smallpox. The Smallpox vaccination was the first vaccine to be successfully developed and used effectively against a disease. Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccination as early as 1796. Smallpox is human infectious disease and is caused by two forms of virus (variola major and minor). Smallpox has been affecting humans since 10,000 BC and in the 20th century, an estimate of 300-500 million deaths has been attributed to smallpox.. Methods of developing immunity to smallpox had long been in existence in Asia even in the 12th century. For example there are reports of Buddhist nuns crushing smallpox scabs into powder and having a non-infected person inhale them through the nose. This method was commonly used in India, Turkey and China by the 1700's and even reached Europe. In the 18th century, Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids who worked in close contact with cows and contracted cowpox did not seem to be affected by smallpox. To test this theory he took the fluid from a cowpox infected maid and inoculated a young boy. 6 weeks later, the boy was exposed to smallpox virus but it did
not seem to affect him. The first smallpox vaccination had been developed. In the modern age, the smallpox vaccination was developed using a weak strain of the virus called the New York City Board of Health Strain and was approved by the FDA. This smallpox vaccination was called Dryvax. The smallpox vaccination is not given in the usual way using a single hypodermic needle. Instead, a needle with 2 prongs is dipped in the vaccine and used to prick the skin several times till a few drops of blood appear. Over the following days, the point of insertion of the smallpox vaccination becomes red and blotchy, becomes a pus filled blister and drains, the blister dries and eventually the scab falls off. Following this the person gets a fever, chills and maybe swollen lymph nodes. Till the scabs fall off, the person is contagious and anyone coming in contact with him/her could contract vaccinia (but not smallpox). There are some risks involved with a smallpox vaccination, and are not recommended for those with a heart condition, pre-existing skin condition, HIV positive, those who are pregnant, children etc. Smallpox was the biggest cause of death in the 20th century. In 1967 the World Health Organisation launched a campaign in order to eradicate smallpox. Around the world smallpox vaccinations were given to the population. In 10 years, WHO was able to announce that smallpox was the first human disease to have been eradicated from the world. Today, countries like the US have stocks of smallpox vaccination enough to vaccinate all of its population in case of biological warfare. Childhood Vaccination
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