(ORDO NEWS) — British scientists analyzed data from smallpox epidemics in Glasgow in 1900-1904 and subsequent vaccination coverage against this infection.
They found that lower levels of morbidity and mortality during epidemics led to a subsequent significant drop in smallpox vaccination rates in children.
Scientists were interested in two smallpox epidemics in Glasgow between 1900 and 1904, because in 1907 the authorities passed a law according to which parents had the right to refuse smallpox vaccination (from 1863 to 1907 it was mandatory for all children).
It is known that between 1899 and 1906, 94 percent of children were vaccinated against smallpox.
The researchers conducted multiple statistical analyzes (linear and non-linear) and found that the lower death rate from smallpox during epidemics between 1900 and 1904 was associated with higher vaccination refusal rates after 1907.
Scientists attribute this effect to the complacency of parents, since data on low morbidity and mortality did not convince them of the risk of infection. Similar phenomena are observed today, for example, in relation to measles.
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