Aaron Ismach

Aaron Ismach was an American scientist and inventor, who made a significant contribution to smallpox eradication by inventing the subcutaneous jet injector.

Biography

Born in Brooklyn, he earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the College of the City of New York in 1943, then a master's degree from the New [York University Tandon School of Engineering|Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn] in 1953 and a MEE from the New York University in 1956.
In the early 1960, Ismach developed a jet injector with an hydraulic pump operated by a foot pedal, known as the Ped-O-Jet.
In 1964, Aaron Ismach invented an intradermal nozzle for the injector, which allowed delivery of the smallpox vaccines. He was awarded the Secretary of Defense [Exceptional Civilian Service Award|Exceptional Civilian Service Award] for his invention. During the 1967 World [Health Organization]'s campaign of eradication of Smallpox, his device capable to vaccinate up to 1000 people an hour, was used for the mass vaccination campaign, being particularly useful on the African continent.