The smallpox vaccine was instrumental in eradicating the disease in the Western world by the early 1970s. As a result, vaccinations were no longer necessary, unless someone was traveling to an area where the virus was still present.
By the 1980s, smallpox vaccinations were discontinued altogether, as it was deemed that people were no longer exposed to the Variola virus. Today, the smallpox scar serves as a reminder of a bygone era, when vaccines played a crucial role in saving countless lives.
If you have a smallpox scar, you’re part of a select group that has witnessed a significant moment in medical history. Share your story and spread awareness about the importance of vaccines in combating infectious diseases.
