Washington and Smallpox Inoculation: Exploring the Historic Vaccination Efforts Led by General George Washington
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy remains a significant challenge. Tara Kirk Sell, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, emphasises that those who distrust vaccines come from diverse backgrounds and have varying reasons for rejecting immunisation [1].
Looking back at history, we can find a powerful example of a vaccination campaign in the American Revolution. General George Washington, the nation's first president, organised the first large-scale immunisation campaign in American history to protect his troops from a deadly smallpox epidemic. After mass inoculation, all but about fifty soldiers in his army survived the smallpox epidemic, a testament to the campaign's success [2].
Washington's bold action not only saved the Continental Army but possibly saved the fight for American independence. A smallpox epidemic had struck American troops who invaded Canada in 1775-1776, causing about 30% of them to drop out due to sickness [3]. General Washington's decisive move to mandate smallpox inoculation among his army was a key strategic move that helped protect and preserve his forces [5].
While Washington was not a celebrity in the modern media sense, his leadership and explicit mandate for inoculation exemplify the effectiveness of prominent figures endorsing vaccination campaigns. His direct involvement and authoritative order during a time of crisis significantly promoted vaccination uptake, underscoring the power of trusted leadership in public health initiatives [6].
In the current context, the Biden team hopes that vaccine scepticism can be reduced by the involvement of medical professionals that are respected and trusted in their communities [7]. Resistance to the COVID-19 vaccine is especially strong in rural areas and southern states, with more than 40% of Republicans expressing hesitancy [4]. To overcome distrust, White House strategists are encouraging doctors and pharmacists to answer questions, provide confidence-building information, and administer shots [8].
New vaccines in the twentieth century brought infectious diseases like polio, measles, and mumps under control. The recently developed mRNA vaccines can trigger immune responses that can protect millions of people from the coronavirus [9]. As we continue to navigate the pandemic, the lessons from history, such as Washington's proactive role during the American Revolution, serve as a reminder of the importance of leadership and trust in vaccination campaigns.
References:
- Tara Kirk Sell on Vaccine Hesitancy
- George Washington and the Smallpox Inoculation
- Smallpox in the American Revolution
- COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the US
- The Smallpox Inoculation of the Continental Army
- The Power of Leadership in Vaccination Campaigns
- Biden Administration Plans to Boost Vaccine Confidence
- White House Strategists Encourage Local Leaders to Promote Vaccine Confidence
- How mRNA Vaccines Work
- Recalling Washington's successful smallpox vaccination campaign during the American Revolution, it is evident that a prominent figure's endorsement could significantly bolster public health initiatives in areas like science, health-and-wellness, and mental health.
- In the face of a persistent challenge from vaccine hesitancy, the Biden team is strategically employing medical professionals with community respect and trust to address resistance, especially in rural areas and certain states, mimicking the transformative impact of influential leaders such as General Washington.
