What role did vaccines play in epidemiological breakthroughs?
Vaccines have been instrumental in controlling infectious diseases. Edward Jenner's smallpox vaccine, developed in 1796, was one of the earliest and most significant breakthroughs. It paved the way for the development of vaccines for diseases like polio, measles, and influenza. Vaccination programs have led to the eradication of smallpox and substantial reductions in other infectious diseases.
