Those Smallpox vaccine scars

[Jazzy1]

Before most doctors stopped routinely giving smallpox vaccines in the early '70s, every kid had the same familiar scar on their upper arm, caused by the Jet injector gun that punctured our skin with all the delicateness of a staple gun.

Do you remember getting the shot and is your scar still visible?

 

[Jazzy1]

Had mine in Second grade. We were lined up and went single file through the library. I saw a person holding a gun at the end, and thought we were all going to be shot to death. I was very relieved to learn it was loaded with needles instead of bullets. I have the scar but it’s barely noticeable now.

 

[Aunt Bea]

We had a traditional jab.

Polio was a sugar cube containing a drop of the vaccine.

 

[Imogene]

Yes and it was no big deal to me.

I may or may not have the remnants of the scar - I never look.

 

[JustDave]

Mine was the size of a half dollar. My friends were about as big as dimes. I'm not sure my scar is even visible now. I don't remember getting it. I think I got it was when I was a baby.

 

[Pappy]

Got mine in grade school and I carried that scar for many years. I can’t see it now.

 

[JustDave]

For polio, I got both the cube and the jab. I think the jab was first, and then the other vaccine came out that was better. Both happened at school. We had to have permission slips from parents, but I don't think anyone skipped the vaccines.

 

[jujube]

I got my smallpox shot in my thigh. It's still there, faintly.

I was required to get another one before I moved to Turkey. After that one healed, it didn't leave a mark.

 

[hollydolly]

I got my smallpox shot in my thigh. It's still there, faintly.

I was required to get another one before I moved to Turkey. After that one healed, it didn't leave a mark.

I also got mine on my thigh.... I think it just depended on which doctor was giving the vax whether we got it in the arm or thigh.. thankfully mine is where it can't be seen..