Smallpox Vaccination Certificates

The History

The Compulsory Vaccination Acts of 1840, 1853 and 1898 made it compulsory for every child to have a vaccination against small pox within 4 months of birth from 1853 to 1948.

The vaccination was provided free of charge by the poor law guardians in an attempt to eradicate the illness.

A vaccination Certificate was issued to the parents as proof of the vaccination.

Parents could apply to the Magistrates for exemption from compliance with the Act although few people did so.

What records can you find?

Many vaccination records survive in County Records Offices.

The records will show the name and age of the child, the name of a parent ( usually the father), the address , Parish and name of person issuing the certificate.