Edward Jenner--The Father of Immunology
What did Edward Jenner do?
Jenner was the first doctor to vaccinate people against smallpox. Smallpox was a dangerous disease. Jenner found a way to prevent people catching smallpox so fewer people got ill, and the disease became rare. Today smallpox has died out.
When did Jenner live?
Jenner was born in 1749. That was in the middle of the 18th century. He lived through exciting times, with the first balloon flights and new machines such as steam engines. But Jenner was happy to work as a country doctor in the west of England. He died in 1823.
Jenner's place in history
During the war between Britain and France, Jenner asked France's emperor Napoleon to release some English prisoners. Napoleon set the prisoners free, saying he could refuse Jenner nothing. Jenner was an international hero. He had his place in history.
Why are we remember Jenner?
Today, we are safe from smallpox, thanks to Edward Jenner. A disease that once killed thousands of people every year was beaten, thanks to his work. Some people laughed at his ideas, but Jenner was not put off. And people all over the world are grateful for what he did.