Influenza Vaccination in 1918: The Role of the Mask Slacker
Infecting a third of the world’s population, the Spanish flu claimed the lives of millions and devastated the global economy. Public places such as bars, restaurants, and nightclubs were closed during the current pandemic of covid-19, and people were asked to wear masks to prevent the spread of infection. In addition, the mask requirements sparked controversy, rebellion, and backlash, just as they do today.
People who refused to wear masks were referred to as “slackers,” and they risked fines and jail time for their actions, all the while millions of people died as a result of the respiratory virus. I’ve heard of this before. Photo taken by local photographer Raymond Coyne in November 1918 at a train station in Mill Valley, California, is authentic – historical records show that jail time ranging from 8 hours to 10 days was given out!’