2025/04/30 by Volha Lazuka, Lazuka, Volha, Poul Jensen +1
Immunology and Microbiology · Medicine · Social Sciences · #FOS: Economics and business #General Economics (econ.GN) #Immune responses and vaccinations #Influenza Virus Research Studies #Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2504.21580
openalex publication_date 2025/04/30 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Using Swedish register data spanning 250 years, we estimate multigenerational effects of smallpox vaccination on longevity and occupational achievements. Employing mother fixed-effects, difference-in-differences, and shift-share instrumental-variables designs, we find vaccination improves outcomes for three generations. We explore mechanisms through which benefits transmit across generations, finding evidence consistent with both improved health behaviors and epigenetic inheritance. Effects persist even in milder disease environments, demonstrating vaccination lasting benefits beyond epidemic contexts. These findings underscore the importance of accounting for multigenerational returns when evaluating early-life health interventions.