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1796Reputable sourceWell documented

Jenner's smallpox vaccine

On the timeline · around 1796 · Jenner's smallpox vaccine1790179518001805181018151820

What happened

Edward Jenner showed that inoculation with cowpox protected against smallpox — coining "vaccine" from the Latin for cow.

Why it matters

The first vaccine, and the method that would eventually eradicate smallpox entirely.

Sources

Jenner's smallpox vaccine — A Timeline of Medicine · SourcedStory