The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-27
VACCINATION AND SMALLPOX.



which ~ Has Accom- mpiished.
II the truth were known, II would prob
ably appear that vaccination has not ac-
complished all that Jenner hoped for ID.
Seeing his discovery 20 universally accept
ed at the outset, seeing II nip opidomics
of smallpox In the bud and SO vastly re-
duce the mortality within few years, he
would have been strangely unimaginative
had he not dreamed Of day when vacci-
nation should 90 fully have triumphed as
to have banished smallpox from the world
forever. In theory such q hope found
ample warrant. The human body fur
nishes the only soil, 30 far as known, on
which the germs OF this disease can null
tiply and retain their virulence. vacci-
nation renders the body no longer habits-
BILE for these germs. II therefore the entire
race could be given immunity through
vaccination, time being allowed for the
destruction Of such unproductive germs
as had found temporary iodgment else
where than in the body, smallpox would
cease to exist. Its last germ killed, there
is no more reason to suppose that 1t would
ever originate again than there is to ex-
pect tho temperance OF the great awk,
the mammoth or the glyptodon. In theory
such an achievement might require but q
month or . year, but In reality century
has not accomplished II.
The chief reason why vaccination has
failed of this ultimate ideal achievement
is, paradoxical though IL sounds, because
vaccination has operated so efficiently.
So nearly has 10 banished smallpox that
no ono now fears that disease, and gem
eral carelessness prevails regarding it.
No better commentary In this regard could
be made than mention of ths fact that two
physicians recently contracted the disease
in New York from q case which came to
q dispensary where they were in attend
anoe II physicians fail to give themselves
immunity, what shall we expect of the
public at largef
The other chief factor which co-operates
with carelessness to keep smallpox in ex-
istence Is ignorance. So little il smallpox
heard of now that many among the more
ignorant classes scarcely know the mean
ing of vaccination. Health officers find
many persons who suppose they are being
waco gated to "oleanse the blood" II does
not matter much what they think perhaps,
so long a. they submit TO the operation.
But many decline the boon, and these Of
course remain susceptible to the disease.
Our laws offer protection to all, but force
it upon no one. Abroad in many places
vaccination is compulsory, fine being
imposed IL any child ia found unvacci-
mated at q certain age. The result thus
aimed at n accomplished in this country
In . more pleasant way by prohibiting
unvaccinated children from attendance
upon the public schools. This measure,
together with the constant solicitations
Of health officers, results I'm the vaccina-
tion of very large proportion of infants.
But vaccination In infancy is not enough.
1t gives immunity for n time, but with
growth the tissues change, and after few
years the body becomes again suscepti-
BILE. Revaccination must be practiced when
the child Is 6 orr years old and again dur
ing adolescence. Even this third vaccina-
tion does not always give protection
throughout life. Immunity should be
tested every few years by repeated vacci-
nations, and only persons who have sub
mitted to this test within few years past
can at any time feel fully assured that
they are iDsusceptibls to smallpox. Ig-
norance Of this fact IL most potent in Civ
ing smallpox hold upon the community.
Not alone the ignorant, but many people
of intelligence, suppose that so long as the
scar of previous vaccination appears
they are immune, and with confidence
born of this delusional belief go about
the world almost as susceptible TO small
pox as il they had never been vaccinated.
For such persons chiefly the present words,
with their obvious moral, are intended
Harper's Weekly.