Propagación de la vacuna contra la viruela en Bilbao (1801-1802), el papel de Lope de Mazarredo (1769-1820)

The dissemination of the Jennerian vaccine in Spain began with similar readiness to that of other European countries. However, this expansion did not occur simultaneously in Spain. Several groups of illustrious physicians and surgeons linked to academic institutions, and with contacts in France and England took the initiative to practice vaccination. The pioneers of vaccine distribution emerged in Catalonia, Madrid, and the Basque Country. The enthusiasm of the first vaccinators was supported by the bourgeoisie, aristocrats, and state officials. Ignacio María Ruiz de Luzuriaga, secretary of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Madrid, had a prominent role as a coordinator between those interested in administering or receiving the vaccine, whether they were health workers or parents. The correspondence between them allows to determine the circumstances of that expansion. This case study analyses the introduction of the vaccine in Bilbao, through a series of letters from Juan Antonio de Ugalde, surgeon of the town, and Lope García de Mazarredo sent to Ruiz de Luzuriaga.