2005/05/01 by Alexandra Minna Stern, Howard Markel · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Medicine · #Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy #Zoonotic diseases and public health #Influenza Virus Research Studies
paper · doi:10.1377/hlthaff.24.3.611
openalex publication_date 2005/05/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Human beings have benefited from vaccines for more than two centuries. Yet the pathway to effective vaccines has been neither neat nor direct. This paper explores the history of vaccines and immunization, beginning with Edward Jenner's creation of the world's first vaccine for smallpox in the 1790s. We then demonstrate that many of the issues salient in Jenner's era-such as the need for secure funding mechanisms, streamlined manufacturing and safety concerns, and deep-seated public fears of inoculating agents-have frequently reappeared and have often dominated vaccine policies. We suggest that historical awareness can help inform viable long-term solutions to contemporary problems with vaccine research, production, and supply.