The Cow-Pock or the Wonderful Effects of the New Inoculation!
Maker and role
James Gillray (b.1756, d.1815): Artist
Production date
1802
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Details
Description
Satirical cartoon, held by the Wellcome Collection
Copyright: Wellcome Collection
Copyright: Wellcome Collection
History
This satirical cartoon depicts the misinformation surrounding the smallpox vaccine. It shows people developing cow features after being vaccinated. This did not happen, but anti-vaccination groups circulated many myths about the unwanted side effects of the vaccine.
Resistance to and misinformation about vaccines have been around for as long as vaccinations have existed. Following the publication of Edward Jenner’s results in 1796, vaccination came into widespread use. However, there was also widespread public unease and distrust. While some people supported vaccination, others thought it was unsafe or unnecessary and saw it as government interference. Some were suspicious of using material from cows to cure human disease.
Vaccination has come a long way since its initial discovery. It is much safer than it was during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, we also have a lot more access to accurate information about vaccines, allowing us to separate myths from facts. See our Covid-19 FAQs: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/coronavirus/coronavirus-vaccine/coronavirus-vaccine-faq
Does the Covid-19 vaccine contain animal products:
There are no human or animal products in any of the approved Covid-19 vaccines.
Is the Covid-19 vaccine safe:
There is no way that the vaccines would have been approved for millions of people if there was any doubt over its safety, quality or effectiveness. These rigorous standards are set out by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory agency, who make sure that all medicines used in the UK are safe. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was tested on over 11,000 people. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was tested on 43,500 people.
Resistance to and misinformation about vaccines have been around for as long as vaccinations have existed. Following the publication of Edward Jenner’s results in 1796, vaccination came into widespread use. However, there was also widespread public unease and distrust. While some people supported vaccination, others thought it was unsafe or unnecessary and saw it as government interference. Some were suspicious of using material from cows to cure human disease.
Vaccination has come a long way since its initial discovery. It is much safer than it was during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, we also have a lot more access to accurate information about vaccines, allowing us to separate myths from facts. See our Covid-19 FAQs: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/coronavirus/coronavirus-vaccine/coronavirus-vaccine-faq
Does the Covid-19 vaccine contain animal products:
There are no human or animal products in any of the approved Covid-19 vaccines.
Is the Covid-19 vaccine safe:
There is no way that the vaccines would have been approved for millions of people if there was any doubt over its safety, quality or effectiveness. These rigorous standards are set out by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory agency, who make sure that all medicines used in the UK are safe. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was tested on over 11,000 people. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was tested on 43,500 people.
Catalogue Number
150.33
Subject Person and Role
Edward Jenner (b.1749, d.1823)
Subject Person
Subject auto tags
Object Types
Part of 1 highlight set
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