Inoculation (also known as variolation) was a historical method for the prevention of smallpox by deliberate introduction into the skin of material from smallpox pustules. This generally produced a less severe infection than naturally-acquired smallpox, but still induced immunity to it |
for more on Rooke's work in Jamaica >
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some pages on smallpox, and other diseases in Jamaica in 1809 - click on the numbers for successive pages -
Daily Gleaner, September 18, 1871
It affords us pleasure to be able to oppose to the mischievous notions so industrially endeavoured to be implanted in the minds of people here, that there is danger to health and life by submitting to vaccination, the judgment of men of high intelligence and high standing in the medical profession in the mother-country, who have been specially directed to inquire into the subject, and who have given their testimony not only against the probability of danger in the manner indicated, but have at the same time re-affirmed all that have already been said as to the efficacy of vaccination as an ameliorative — in many cases a preventive — of small-pox. There now lies before us the report of the Select Committee appointed to inquire into the operation of the Vaccination Act of 1867. No less than eight sittings of the Committee were occupied in hearing the evidence of persons who assert that vaccination is useless and injurious, and therefore object to its enforcement and encouragement by the law. The Committee say that alter careful consideration of this evidence, and of medical and other testimony given in reply, they agree with the general opinion:-- That the cow-pox affords if not an absolute yet at very great protection against an attack of small-pox; and an almost absolute protection against death from that disease. That if the operation be performed with due regard to the health of the person vaccinated, and with proper precautions in obtaining and using the vaccine lymph, there need be no apprehension that vaccination will injure health or communicate any disease. That small-pox unchecked by vaccination is one of the most terrible and destructive of diseases, as regards the danger of infection, the proportion of deaths among those attacked, and the permanent injury to the survivors; and therefore, That it is the duty of the State to endeavour to secure the careful vaccination of the whole population. The Committee then go on to give an assurance of their complete freedom from doubt that the almost universal opinion of medical science and authority is in accordance with Dr. Gull when he states, that "vaccination is as protective against small-pox as small-pox itself;" with Dr. West, when he gives as the result of his experience, as physician to the Children's Hospital, in Great Ormond-street, and at having had charge of between 50,000 and 60,000 children slnce 1835, that "he does not think that vaccination does produce disease;" and with Sir William Jenner when he says, "I should think myself wicked, and really guilty of a crime, if I did not recommend every patient to have his child vaccinated early in life." It is to be hoped that this array of testimony, coming from men so fully competent to judge, will greatly outweigh the ignorant assumptions of a few here, as in England who set up their own uneducated judgment as superior to opinions gained not only by great professional training but ado by long professional practice and experience. Semi-weekly Gleaner. |
provisions for vaccination up to 1865 -
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