The beginnings of the smallpox vaccine in São Paulo: a little known story

Abstract

This discussion of smallpox prevention practices in the state of São Paulo focuses primarily on the Instituto Vacinogênico, created in 1892 as part of a sanitation reform that modernized public health in São Paulo state. Established and headed until 1913 by the renowned São Paulo surgeon Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho, the institute was responsible for statewide distribution of the smallpox vaccine derived from animals. It operated on its own until 1918, when it was made part of the Instituto Bacteriológico.