Smallpox was a deadly disease that caused high fever and a rash on the skin. It was one of the worst viral infections in history. By the early 1900s, smallpox outbreaks were widespread, killing about 3 out of every 10 people who caught it. Survivors of smallpox often had visible scars on their faces from the disease.

The disease was caused by a virus called variola. This virus was highly contagious and dangerous. In response to this threat, scientists created a vaccine made from a live virus called vaccinia. This virus was similar to variola but couldn’t cause smallpox. The vaccine helped the body build up protection against smallpox by creating antibodies.

Thanks to the vaccine, smallpox was declared eradicated in the early 1950s. This achievement was a huge milestone in medicine. In the United States, regular smallpox vaccinations stopped in 1972. Today, only people working in high-risk areas, like laboratories, still receive the smallpox vaccine.

When someone received the smallpox vaccine, they often got a scar. This scar appeared at the site of the injection and was usually small and round or slightly oval, about the size of a pencil eraser. In some cases, the scar could be larger or raised if the body had a strong immune reaction during healing.

The method of vaccination was different from today’s needle shots. Healthcare workers used a special needle called a bifurcated needle, which had two prongs. They dipped this needle into the vaccine solution and then pricked the skin repeatedly. This technique caused a wound, which eventually healed and left behind a scar.

The live virus in the vaccine caused the body to react strongly. The skin would become sore and itchy, forming a scab that would eventually fall off. The leftover scar was a sign that the body had fought off the virus and built up immunity.

Though the vaccine saved many lives, some people experienced mild side effects like fever, aches, or swollen lymph nodes. Rarely, more serious problems like skin infections or brain inflammation occurred. Today, smallpox vaccination is no longer common, so the scars are becoming a thing of the past. Those who want to reduce their scar’s appearance can try treatments like sunscreen, ointments, or professional procedures.

The smallpox vaccine and the scars it left behind are a reminder of how vaccines can protect people from dangerous diseases. Smallpox may no longer be a threat, but the success of its eradication shows the power of science and public health efforts.