Question

While Jenner's interest in the protective effects of cowpox began during his apprenticeship with George Harwicke, it was 1796 before he made the first step in the long process whereby smallpox, the scourge of mankind, would be totally eradicated. For many years, he had heard the tales that dairymaids were protected from smallpox naturally after having suffered from cowpox.

—"Edward Jenner and the History of
Smallpox and Vaccination,"
Stefan Riedel

Which statements support the claim that Jenner has been given credit for starting and spreading the practice of immunization?

Jenner became interested in the protective effects of cowpox during his apprenticeship.
Jenner’s mentor was George Harwicke.
Jenner made the first step to erase smallpox.
Smallpox is called the scourge of mankind.
Jenner heard stories of cowpox helping to save people from smallpox.

Answer 1

Jenner made the first step to erase smallpox and Jenner heard stories of cowpox helping to save people from smallpox support the claim that Jenner has been given credit for starting and spreading the practice of immunization.

These statements show that Jenner was the one who took the first step towards eradicating smallpox by investigating the link between cowpox and smallpox immunity. Additionally, the fact that he had heard stories of cowpox protecting people from smallpox suggests that he was the one who popularized the idea of using cowpox as a means of immunization. However, the statements about Jenner's apprenticeship, mentor, and the severity of smallpox are not directly related to his contribution to the practice of immunization.