Did you know that the first successful vaccine was developed in 1796 by Edward Jenner? He created the smallpox vaccine by inoculating a young boy with cowpox, which provided immunity against smallpox. In 1885, Louis Pasteur developed the rabies vaccine after successfully testing it on a young boy who had been bitten by a rabid dog. The first vaccine for polio was developed in the 1950s by Jonas Salk, which was followed by the oral polio vaccine developed by Albert Sabin in 1961. Vaccines have played a crucial role in preventing deadly diseases, such as measles, mumps, rubella, and influenza, saving millions of lives worldwide. Today, vaccines continue to undergo rigorous testing and development to combat new and emerging diseases, such as COVID-19. It is important to trust the science behind vaccines and to follow the recommendations of healthcare professionals to protect ourselves and others from vaccine-preventable illnesses. Next time you receive a vaccine, remember the history behind it and the countless lives that have been saved thanks to this remarkable medical advancement.