Vaccination (1796): Edward Jenner’s smallpox vaccine in 1796 pioneered immunology and launched one of medicine’s greatest triumphs. By using cowpox material to confer immunity, Jenner demonstrated that controlled exposure could prevent deadly disease. His method replaced risky variolation and eventually led to smallpox’s global eradication in 1980—the only human disease ever eliminated. Vaccination principles expanded to combat polio, measles, tetanus, and more, saving hundreds of millions of lives. Despite vaccine hesitancy, immunization remains a cornerstone of public health, enabling herd immunity and protecting vulnerable populations. Modern mRNA vaccines, like those for COVID-19, build on this legacy. Vaccination exemplifies preventive medicine at its best, turning once-feared plagues into historical footnotes.
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