ABSTRACT
Lord Byron can be classified as the prototype of contemporary celebrities endorsing pseudo-scientific views and opposing vaccination policies based on his public statements, while privately he appears to have had double standards since he had his page inoculated against smallpox. Through a review of the biomedical and historical literature this paper examines the role of the example given by celebrities during vaccination campaigns,focusing on the historical figure of Lord Byron. A reassessment of his writings on the topic of vaccination (cowpox inoculation)is then performed and put in the greater context of celebrities, past and present, commenting in favour or against immunisation policies. Byron's case demonstrates how health institutions should not underestimate the influence of 'VIPs' on the success of vaccinations, and should seek their help and positive example when trying to persuade the general population of the importance of vaccinations.
ABSTRACT
This article examines the politico-scientific mechanism, which leads nations to declare an epidemic or a pandemic finished, irrespective of the actual epidemiological situation at a given time. A historical comparison is made with the famous behavior of Emperor Justinian I (482-565 CE) during the plague pandemic named after him (part of the first plague pandemic). Finally, a reference to the importance of the multidisciplinary study of the history of medicine and the intersection between pandemics and wars is made.