Oswaldo Cruz - Smallpox Vaccination Controversy

Smallpox Vaccination Controversy

In 1904, a smallpox epidemic was threatening the capital. In the course of the first five months of that year, more than 1,800 persons had already been hospitalized. A law imposing smallpox vaccination of children had existed since 1837 but had never been put into practice. Therefore, on June 9, 1904, following a proposal by Oswaldo Cruz, the government presented a bill to the Congress requesting the reestablishment of obligatory smallpox vaccination. The extremely rigid and severe provisions of this instrument terrified the people. Popular opposition against Oswaldo Cruz increased sharply and opposition newspapers started a violent campaign against this measure and the federal government in general. Members of the parliament and labor unions protested. An Anti-vaccination League was organized.

On November 10, the Vaccine Revolt exploded in Rio. Violent confrontations with the police ensued, with strikes, barricades, and shootings in the streets, as the population rose in protest against the government. On November 14, the Military Academy adhered to the revolt but the cadets where dispersed after an intense shooting. The government declared a state of siege. On November 16, the uprising was controlled and the obligatory vaccination was suspended. But in 1908, a violent smallpox epidemic made the people rush en masse to the vaccination units and Cruz was vindicated, and his merit recognized.