The history of vaccinations began in the 17th century in India and China. In 1796, Edward Jenner created the first vaccine for smallpox by infecting a boy with cowpox, which protected him from later smallpox infection. This started the practice of vaccination. Throughout the 19th century, vaccination was used to prevent additional diseases like smallpox, and by 1980 smallpox was eradicated worldwide due to vaccination efforts. Since then, vaccines have been developed for many other illnesses.