Smallpox vaccine scars
A Mark Remembered
A childhood memory of a strange circular scar on the author’s
mother resurfaced years later after seeing the same mark on an elderly woman.
The mystery was solved when their mother explained it came from the smallpox vaccine.
What Smallpox Was
“Smallpox was a deadly and highly contagious disease caused by the variola virus.”
In the 20th century, it killed about 30% of those infected and often left survivors scarred.
A global vaccination effort led to eradication in 1980.
How the Scar Formed
“The scar resulted from the unique administration method.”
A two-pronged needle repeatedly punctured the skin,
and a live virus triggered a blister that healed into a permanent mark.
A Living Relic
“This mark served as a kind of historical ‘vaccine passport.’”
Seen mostly on older adults, the scar remains a personal reminder of one of public health’s greatest victories.
