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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Variolation and Vaccination?

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Variolation and vaccination are both methods used to protect individuals against diseases, particularly smallpox. However, they are not interchangeable, and there are key differences between the two:

Variolation:

  • Involves inoculation with smallpox virus.
  • Used to immunize individuals against smallpox, with the hope of a mild infection resulting in protection.
  • The death rate from variolation was around 1-2%.
  • Eventually replaced by vaccination due to its risks and the development of a safer alternative.
  • Variolation is no longer used today.

Vaccination:

  • Introduced by Edward Jenner in 1800, using smallpox vaccine derived from cowpox, an animal disease distinct from smallpox.
  • Considers variolation as a distinct practice from vaccination.
  • Vaccination is the method still in use today for protecting against various diseases.

Variolation was an outdated medical technique that was replaced by vaccination due to its safer and more effective nature. The development of the smallpox vaccine led to the elimination of smallpox globally and paved the way for the many vaccines now available against other diseases.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Variolation and Vaccination?
  • Comparative Table: Variolation vs Vaccination

    • Comparative Table: Variolation vs Vaccination

    Here is a table comparing the differences between variolation and vaccination:

    Variolation Vaccination
    Inoculates live virus to create immunity against smallpox Inoculates attenuated or killed virus to create immunity against specific diseases
    Method used in China and the Middle East, but not in use today Method used globally, including novel techniques such as DNA vaccines and recombinant vaccines
    Powdered smallpox scabs or fluid taken from smallpox patients used for inoculation Vaccines consist of killed state or proteins or toxins from the organism
    Inoculation is done by inserting or rubbing the powdered smallpox scabs or fluid onto the skin Vaccination is done intravenously, with special conditions for storage and includes edible vaccines
    Always had risks, with a death rate estimated to be between 1-3% Vaccination is generally safer, with fewer risks compared to variolation

    Please note that these differences are based on the information provided in the search results, and the table is not a direct quote from any of the sources.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.