The Vaccine used in the Smallpox Vaccination Conducted by the Hakodate Magistrate in the Late 1850s

Abstract

From 1857 to 1859 (Ansei 4 to 6), the Hakodate Magistrate, an agency of the Tokugawa shogunate, administered smallpox vaccinations to the Ainu in Hokkaido (the territory of the Matsumae domain will be excluded for this paper) and Karafuto (Sakhalin). Through historical documents, this paper examines the vaccine (inoculation material for smallpox, attenuated virus solution) used in the smallpox vaccination at the time, and examines three major aspects: the types of smallpox vaccines used, the method, and the cost of the procurement. First, this paper shows that smallpox crusts (scabs caused by smallpox infection) and smallpox plasma (pus from smallpox blisters) were procured for use in smallpox vaccines. The method of procurement involved smallpox crusts being delivered in bottles from Edo to Hakodate. In the case of doctor Kuwata Ryusai, the smallpox plasma was transported by a chain of vaccine carriers all the way from Edo to Hakodate, and from Hakodate to Ezo. It is thought that the maintenance of smallpox plasma during the absence of traveling smallpox vaccinations was carried out by regularly repeating vaccinations in Hakodate and continuing to maintain the plasma. The Bakufu, and by extension the Hakodate Magistrate, was responsible for securing donors of smallpox plasma both before and after the vaccination program. Regarding the procurement expenses, the beneficiaries were the smallpox donors, and their guardians and attendants. Before the start of vaccination, Kuwata Ryusai paid the expenses himself. After the start of smallpox vaccination, in the area of Monbetsu (present-day Monbetsu City and others), historical records show that the Hakodate Magistrate's Office was responsible for the allowances for smallpox donors.