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    Additional Resource

    First Presidency Statement on the Smallpox Vaccine

    This is an excerpt of a message shared on November 17, 1900, by Lorenzo Snow and George Q. Cannon of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Deseret Evening News. (See the original here.)

    We take this opportunity of suggesting [to the Saints] … that they employ every precaution to prevent the spread of the contagion.

    …

    To the question of vaccination we have given careful thoughts and consideration[.] … We are aware that there is a difference of opinion in the community as to the merits of this question; and… we have felt reluctant to express ourselves publicly on it. Now, however, we feel to … suggest and recommend that the people generally avail themselves of the opportunity to become vaccinated[.]

    Lorenzo Snow,
    Geo. Q. Cannon,
    Salt Lake City, November 17, 1900.

    Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.