> I have a hard time understanding how the creation and distribution of the smallpox vaccine did little to save lives. Not did little - did relatively little w

> I have a hard time understanding how the creation and distribution of the smallpox vaccine did little to save lives. Not did little - did relatively little when compared to Hilleman, who operated on such a greater scale and developed 40+ useable vaccines. For every usable vaccine, there are dozens or hundreds that work in theory, but not in practice, for so many different issues. Hilleman didn't just solve those issues, he developed the field of solving those issues, and his methodology, techniques, and end products remain cutting edge even today. It's impossible to overstate the effect Hilleman has had on the unprecedented immunity bubble we are living in. Jenner did great work, but it was also an advance of an existing field. Variolation existed and was effective. Vaccination was a great step forward, but smallpox deaths were declining by the time he developed the method. I've no real issue with either of them making an arbitrary list, but I guess I consider Hilleman's body of work to be so much larger and more effective. Not at all any disparagement of Jenner, just...Hilleman accomplished that much.