History in review - First vaccine

On May 14, 1796, Edward Jenner, an English physician, made history by administering what would become the world’s first vaccine—a preventive treatment for smallpox, a disease that had claimed millions of lives over centuries. His pioneering work laid the foundation for one of the greatest achievements in medical history: vaccination.

Fast forward to the 1970s, and thanks to more sophisticated vaccines and global immunization efforts led by the World Health Organization, smallpox was declared eradicated—a monumental victory for science and humanity.

Why This Matters to Pharmacists

Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools we have to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. And today, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are at the heart of this mission.

You are:

• Expanding access to life-saving vaccines in communities large and small.

• Educating patients and dispelling myths with compassion and evidence.

• Administering vaccines safely and efficiently, often being the most accessible healthcare provider for many.

  
  

A Heartfelt Thank You

To every pharmacist and pharmacy technician: thank you for being champions of public health. Your dedication to immunization services helps protect individuals, families, and entire communities.

Let’s continue to honor the legacy of Edward Jenner by staying committed to science, service, and safety.