1796    Edward Jenner administers the first smallpox vaccination.

1885    Riots break out in Montreal to protest against compulsory smallpox vaccination.

1975    Rahima Banu, a 2-year old girl from the village of Kuralia in Bangladesh, is the last known person to be infected with naturally occurring smallpox.

1977    The last natural case of smallpox is discovered in Merca district, Somalia. The WHO and the CDC consider this date the anniversary of the eradication of smallpox, the most spectacular success of vaccination.

1979    The eradication of the smallpox virus is certified, making smallpox the first and to date only human disease driven to extinction.

1980    The eradication of smallpox is endorsed by the World Health Organization.