World's first vaccination clinic to reopen

The world's first vaccination clinic will soon reopen to the public following major restoration work.

Set in the former garden of Dr Edward Jenner and the place where he performed the first vaccinations against smallpox in 1796, the Temple of Vaccinia in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, was placed on Historic England's at Risk Register in 2025.

It is now due to reopen on 17 May, the innoculation pioneer's 277th birthday, following major restoration and access improvements.

The museum, Dr Jenner's House, said the restoration was the first stage of "Re-Jenner-ation" and was made possible following a £221,508 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

First created as an ornamental garden retreat by Dr Jenner's friend Reverend Robert Ferryman, the small hut-like structure later became the spot where he gave James Phipps, eight, the first vaccine - against smallpox - in 1796.

Jenner later began innoculating members of the public against the infectious disease at the site for free, jokingly renaming the hut "The Temple of Vaccinia" after inventing the vaccine.

Museum director, James Rodliff said: "The Temple of Vaccinia is an unassuming building with a story of global significance: what happened here changed the course of public health.

"Restoring it means visitors can stand in the place where Jenner chose to offer vaccination freely to his community and understand how an idea from Berkeley helped protect people around the world," he added.

The grant from The National Lottery Fund will also help develop the initial plans for the renovation of Dr Jenner's House and Garden.

Dr Jonathan Steel, chair of The Jenner Trust said the restoration was "a major milestone" for Dr Jenner's House and their focus was now "on the wider site".

"Dr Jenner's House must be conserved, reinterpreted and made more accessible so that it can continue to engage and inspire future generations," he said.

The 1796 Circle, a new patrons scheme for supporters who want to play a direct role in safeguarding Jenner's legacy and supporting the museum's future, has also been launched by Dr Jenner's House following the restoration.

Prior to the official reopening of the Temple of Vaccinia, a celebration evening will be held on 14 May, exactly 230 years after Jenner vaccinated James.

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