The introduction of vaccination practice in the Orenburg Region in the early XIX century

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to research the process of introduction of smallpox prevention in the Orenburg Region in the early 19th century. The author focuses the main attention on the organization and activity of subsidiary medical institutions - smallpox committees. The author shows the role of Free Economic Society, doctors, clergy, civil people in the development of smallpox prevention in the region. Based on the analysis of historical sources which are represented in the state archive of the Orenburg Region (fund 6 «the offices of Orenburg military governor») the author makes an attempt to detect the main cause of civil resistance in the region. The author used chronological, historical, retrospective and inquiry learning methods. The conducted research showed that in the 19th century in the Orenburg province there was a system of vaccine prevention of smallpox among the population despite the difficult sanitary and epidemiologic situation, lack of medical institutions and shortage of qualified medical personnel. The formation of this process started in the early XIX century. Thus, effective activities of the state and public organizations during this period let to lower the general illness rate and death rates from natural smallpox among the population in the Orenburg province.