Most individuals have a small, circular scar on their upper arm as a result of receiving the smallpox vaccine, which was a widespread practice prior to the 1970s. The vaccine utilized live Vaccinia virus to stimulate the body’s immune response against the highly dangerous Variola virus, the culprit behind the smallpox disease.

The original article explains that blisters may develop at the injection site after receiving the shot. These blisters will eventually heal and may leave a circular scar.

The scars are quite noticeable as every needle puncture administered a small amount of the vaccine, resulting in the formation of blisters. After the shot, there may be a temporary swelling at the injection site, which will subside shortly. However, after 6 to 8 weeks, a lump appears that looks like a mosquito bite and eventually develops into a tumor. After some time, it opens up, releases fluid, and transforms into an ulcer, which eventually heals and leaves a permanent scar.

By the early 1970s, smallpox had been successfully eliminated in most of the Western world. As a result, vaccinations against the Variola virus were no longer necessary and were discontinued in the 1980s. The scar serves as a poignant reminder of a bygone era when a perilous illness loomed over society.