Introduction of obligatory vaccination against smallpox in Dalmatia and the city of Split during the first half of the 19th century

Abstract

The aim of this study was to present the beginnings of vaccination against smallpox in Dalmatia and the city of Split during the first half of the 19th century. This preventive action was introduced by protomedic Orazio Pinelli in 1801. Although the first Austrian rule in Dalmatia (1797-1805) supported the vaccination, subsequent French government (1805-1813) was especially dedicated to this campaign, particularly its governor Vincenzo Dandolo. His Decision on vaccination against smallpox from 1807 had an exceptional importance for the successful implementation of vaccination against smallpox, as well as the Regulation on vaccination proclaimed by the second Austrian rule in 1824. This study revealed the attempts of different Dalmatian governments at the introduction and propagation of vaccination as the most important preventive measure against smallpox.