Three Things Thursday highlights three things I am paying attention to as an epidemiologist each week.
This week we could discuss the official approval of the RSV vaccine for older adults (available in the fall), the AMA’s decision NOT to use BMI has the sole determinant of obesity (yeah!), or additional mosquito-borne diseases in the United States (buy that DEET bug spray). Instead, I think we need to lean into the July 4th holiday…
Let’s look back at the Revolutionary War (in the US) and talk about the role REQUIRED smallpox vaccinations played in the outcome of the war.
Here are three things about the smallpox vaccination requirement during the revolutionary war you need to know AND a reminder that vaccination programs are an essential form of primary prevention.
Hoping this post helps to educate and empower you
to be healthy and create healthy communities.
First thing you need to know — smallpox arrived in the United States in 1775. The virus (which is spread through close contact with an infected individual) was likely carried by British or German troops who came to fight against the Continental Army. John Adams wrote in 1776 —
“The smallpox is ten times more terrible than the Britons, Canadians, and Indians together.”
Second thing you need to know — George Washington survived smallpox (he was sick in Barbados for nearly a month with the disease prior to the Revolutionary War) and had immunity to it. Knowing how deadly and awful the disease was, Washington took steps to quarantine the troops in the Continental Army (prohibiting civilians from entering the military zone to prevent the spread of smallpox to the troops). And he required that soldiers with smallpox be isolated from others to prevent the spread of disease. Washington wrote in a letter to John Hancock that he would —
“Continue the utmost Vigilance against this most dangerous enemy.” (Meaning smallpox; not the Red Coats)
Third thing to know — the failure of the Continental Army to take Quebec is likely due to smallpox. Major General John Thomas failed to follow Washington’s strict quarantine and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of smallpox among his troops. An outbreak of smallpox occurred — killing upwards of half of the 10,000 troops who were defeated in Quebec, including Thomas himself.
Following the defeat in Quebec and the outbreak of smallpox, George Washington required all soldiers to be inoculated against smallpox beginning in February 1777.
Historian Joseph Ellis states —
“A compelling case can be made that his (Washington’s) swift response to the smallpox epidemic and to a policy of inoculation was the most important strategic decision of his military career.”
Public health protocols — vaccine mandates — preventing disease from spreading throughout the Army were a key strategic military decision. One that is likely the reason that the United States exists today. The troops remained healthy and were able to fight; to do their job. And ultimately the British were defeated. Had the Continental troops been too ill with smallpox to fight, history could have been rewritten…
There are three lessons to learn here —
The story of the American Revolutionary War is deeply tied to vaccine mandates. We must NOT forget to include this part of the history in our classes and discussions of independence and the events of 1776-1777.
Primary prevention of disease — where we vaccinate all individuals to prevent them from contracting a disease or becoming very ill — is essential. Not only do vaccines keep individuals healthy, but they work in a way to create healthy communities.
When we are healthy — when we are ALL healthy — that is when the magic in life happens. Being healthy allows us to go to school, to work, and to the fun activities in our lives.1 Being healthy allows us to start and run successful businesses; create beautiful works of art; write, direct, and perform amazing ballets, musicals, and theatre productions. Being healthy allows us to travel to see amazing places and build relationships with people who are important to us. Being healthy allows us to live our best lives.
Being healthy allows us to be revolutionary!
As we wrap up with 4th of July week, let us NOT forget that public health is deeply tied to the American revolutionary story.
Being healthy — all of us being healthy — is essential for life to happen (literally!!).
More questions about smallpox, vaccine mandates, or the public health history of the Revolutionary War? Please ask!
Be sure to share this post with your friends & family… we all need to know the public health history of our past.
More to come on all the fun we’ve been having this summer, but for now know that we are all smiles! Thankful that we are healthy enough to travel and enjoy the world and each other. And thankful that we are all vaccinated so we are not fearing measles, polio, or a severe infection with COVID-19.
Cheers to a healthy & happy summer…