I dont know what was in that air gun either, but I could not use the arm for about 2 days after and blood was dripping off my fingertips for an hour after they did it.
Even as a fireman recruit I told them I would not stand still for another one. You could not refuse the innoculations but all the remaining shots I got were with a syringe.
I went in in 1977. I only remember one shot. Wasn’t too big off a problem until about 4 to 5 weeks in where I thought I had the plague. Couldn’t keep food down consistently, very weak, coughs, nasal drain, diarrhea, you name it. I lost almost 20 pound in basic and it wasn’t due to the exercise. All I knew is I pushed through because I was close to graduation (Air Force) and didn’t want to be set back.
I got out on time and as soon as I got to Tech School, I started getting better. Add in a clot shot and I probably would have had a stroke.