IMMUNOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Variolation was the method of inoculation first used to immunize individuals against smallpox (Variola) with material taken from a patient or a recently variolated individual, in the hope that a mild, but protective, infection would result. Variolation is no longer used today.

Detailed explanation-2: -The smallpox vaccine is given by a special technique. It is not administered as a “shot” in the way that most other vaccines are. It is given using a two-pronged (bifurcated) needle that is dipped into the vaccine solution. When removed, the needle holds a droplet of the vaccine.

Detailed explanation-3: -Variolation, the intentional inoculation of an individual with smallpox material, traces back to 16th-century China. Variolation used a lancet or needle to introduce pulverized dried smallpox scabs or pustule fluid into the skin of an individual.

Detailed explanation-4: -The smallpox vaccine, introduced by Edward Jenner in 1796, was the first successful vaccine to be developed. He observed that milkmaids who previously had caught cowpox did not catch smallpox and showed that inoculated vaccinia protected against inoculated variola virus.