If you were born before the 1970s, you might have a small, round scar on your upper arm—a lasting reminder of the smallpox vaccine. This little mark has a fascinating history tied to one of the deadliest diseases humanity has ever faced. While smallpox was eradicated in much of the world by the early 1970s, the vaccine that left this scar was a powerful tool that helped bring an end to the epidemic.

The Story Behind the Smallpox Vaccine Scar

For those unfamiliar with it, the smallpox vaccine used a live virus called Vaccinia to create immunity against the Variola virus, which causes smallpox. This method was highly effective, but it also left a visible reminder of the process on many people’s arms.

When you got the vaccine, the process wasn’t as simple as a quick shot. It involved several needle pricks at the injection site, which would cause blisters to form. These blisters eventually healed but left a circular scar behind. The original article describes it well: “Blisters appear at the injection site, which eventually heal and leave a circular scar.” The result was a small raised area, often compared to a mosquito bite, that would swell, ooze fluid, and then heal into the permanent scar.

A Historical Mark

For those who carry this mark, it’s more than just a scar—it’s a piece of history. The smallpox vaccine was part of a global effort to eradicate one of the most feared diseases known to humankind. Smallpox had a mortality rate as high as 30%, and those who survived were often left with disfiguring scars. The vaccine played a crucial role in stopping the spread of this deadly disease, and by the early 1970s, smallpox was declared eradicated in much of the Western world.

The End of Smallpox Vaccinations

With smallpox no longer a threat, the need for vaccinations decreased, and by the 1980s, smallpox vaccinations had stopped entirely. The small, round scar left by the vaccine is now a rare sight, primarily seen on older generations who lived during a time when the disease was still a significant concern.

While smallpox has been wiped out, the mark left behind serves as a reminder of the power of vaccines and how they can change the course of history. It’s a symbol of a time when medical advancements helped protect millions of lives, bringing an end to a disease that had ravaged humanity for centuries.