Grim reaper triumphant vaccine act 1898 Punch cartoon

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From an original Punch cartoon of 1898 Triumph of De-Jenner-Ation attacking the 1898 Vaccination Act, which made smallpox vaccination compulsory, but included an exception clause for conscientious objectors, numbering a quarter-million in the first year alone. The belief of most learned men of the time was that abandonment of compulsory vaccination would lead to a return of the ravages of smallpox. Whilst their wildest nightmares did not come true it's interesting to note the debate still continues today here & in the rest of the world.

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Size: 4255px × 5827px
Location: United Kingdom
Photo credit: © Historical Images Archive / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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