How 18th Century Boston Countered Vaccine Hesitancy

Lessons learned from a bygone time

An artist’s satirical depiction of Dr. Edward Jenner administering smallpox vaccines

A deadly pathogen. Life upended. The economy crippled. Schools shuttered. A miracle vaccine developed but widespread mistrust of it. A populace divided. Voices raised. Violence threatened.

The year is not 2021 but 1721. The place is the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Vaccine hesitancy is not new…

More from Eric Weiner

Philosophical Traveler. Recovering Malcontent. Author of four books., including my latest, “The Socrates Express” — now out in paperback!

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Eric Weiner

Eric Weiner

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Philosophical Traveler. Recovering Malcontent. Author of four books., including my latest, “The Socrates Express” — now out in paperback!

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