Should you consider the varicella vaccine for your child? As a parent, if you are still confused about getting this vaccine for your child or not, the answer is yes, because it is still one of the important vaccines that your child should get as part of childhood routine vaccines to build a strong immunity. Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that still exists and can infect children, and may lead to serious complications. It is not curable, but with the vaccine, you can prevent it. Learn everything you need to know about chickenpox and the varicella vaccine. Reach out to us on https://doralhw.jumilabs.com/contact-us/ for a consultation with the best infectious disease doctors in Brooklyn, New York.
What is chickenpox?
Ans. Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) by coming in contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or directly touching the rash. It causes an itchy, red rash with blisters, mostly affecting children, but it can also occur in adults. Most people are able to recover fully from chickenpox, but in some cases, it can lead to complications. If a child gets infected with chickenpox, they will easily miss out on school for around 2 weeks.
Luckily, this viral infection can be prevented with the varicella vaccine, which is given in combination with the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMR) vaccine.
What are the symptoms of chickenpox?
Ans. The most common symptoms are a bumpy red rash that occurs when you get infected. Along with red rash, other common symptoms are:
- Low-grade fever.
- Feeling tired.
- Headache.
- A stomachache makes it uncomfortable to eat.
- A skin rash that’s itchy and may turn into small blisters.
- Bumps filled with a liquid-like milky water usually appear on the face, chest, and back and spread all over the body.
- Skin appears blotchy.
- Crusty spots that fade away.
- Scabs after the blisters break.
Children who’ve been vaccinated against chickenpox are generally protected against getting chickenpox. The vaccine isn’t 100% effective, and some children get infected despite being vaccinated. But these symptoms are mild and easily go away.
What are the complications of chickenpox?
Ans. The complications from chickenpox are rare, but not impossible. It may include:
- Bacterial infections on your skin, blood, and soft tissues.
- Encephalitis or Reye’s syndrome.
- Pneumonia.
- Dehydration.
- Problems with how your blood clots.
- Liver problems.
- Scarring
- Bleeding disorders
- Shingles
Even though chickenpox is prevalent, healthy children only experience mild cases of chickenpox. Severe symptoms occur in adults over 18. Death by chickenpox is very rare and only occurs in adults.
What is the chickenpox/varicella vaccine and its types?
Ans. It is a vaccine of a two-dose series that protects you or your child from chickenpox, which is a highly contagious disease that causes an itchy rash and may lead to complications. This vaccine is made from a live but weakened, or attenuated, virus that helps to boost your immunity. If you’re vaccinated, the chances of catching chickenpox are decreased significantly, and even if you get infected, symptoms are mild. The more people get vaccinated, the lower the risk of spread, and the more protected we all are.
There are two types of chickenpox vaccine approved for use in the US. They are:-
- Varivax: This vaccine is licensed for use in children 12 months or older. It has been given alone as 2 doses of shots in a series.
- ProQuad: This vaccine is licensed for use in children 12 months to 12 years old. It is given in combination with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. That’s why it is known as the MMRV vaccine. It also has 2 doses of shots in a series.
Why is the chickenpox vaccine necessary?
Ans. The chickenpox vaccine is considered necessary in the US because, before the vaccine, chickenpox was very common and caused many hospitalizations and even death. After the vaccine introduction in 1995, it has helped to prevent millions of infections every year. It prevents severe illness in most children who are vaccinated. This is an effective way to prevent mild illness. Vaccinated children who do get chickenpox only experience milder symptoms. If a person has no immunity to the virus and gets exposed to someone with chickenpox or shingles, they will get infected and spread this virus to others. Certain people are more at risk of getting infected and developing severe symptoms, such as pregnant women, infants under 12 months old, adolescents, adults, and people with weakened immune systems. These people may need to be hospitalized and are at high risk of developing life-threatening complications. Anyone can develop complications, as there is no way to predict who will. Giving them the vaccine within 3 to 5 days after exposure can prevent the infection or make it less serious. If you’re vaccinated with the chickenpox vaccine, you will be protected for life. It is a mild disease for many children, but no one knows who will turn it into a serious case. With vaccination, your children develop immunity to fight chickenpox and prevent serious complications of chickenpox. That’s why it is necessary to get vaccinated.
What is the chickenpox vaccine schedule?
Ans. Experts recommend the chickenpox vaccine schedule for children younger than 13 years is:
- Dose 1 at the age of 12 to 15 months.
- Dose 2 at the age of 4 to 6 years.
Your child may get the second dose sooner as long as there are at least 3 months after the first dose. Your pediatrician will advise you to get your child vaccinated on time. Adolescents and adults who are aged 13 or older also need to get two doses at least 28 days apart.
Who can get the chickenpox vaccine?
Ans. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone who hasn’t had chickenpox or isn’t fully vaccinated is eligible for the vaccine. You are considered fully vaccinated when you receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine. This vaccine is also a part of the childhood immunization schedule. So, the majority of children in the U.S. are fully vaccinated and protected against chickenpox by around the age of 6. Some adults may not be protected because they never contracted chickenpox as a child and never got vaccinated. But getting infected with chickenpox as an adult can cause severe symptoms and can lead to complications. Even though chickenpox is not spread as widely as before, it is not completely eradicated. So, if you’ve never been vaccinated and are not sure if you’ve had chickenpox, you should talk with your healthcare provider. They may recommend a blood test to check if you have immunity to chickenpox or not. If not, it means you never had chickenpox and should get vaccinated. This becomes more important as an adult to get vaccinated if you:
- Work in healthcare.
- Teaches in a classroom or provides childcare services.
- Live or work in a residential care facility (like a nursing home) or correctional facility.
- Live with or care for someone who has a weakened immune system.
- Going to become pregnant.
- Live with children.
- Are a college student.
- Are in the military.
- Travel internationally.
Who is not eligible for the chickenpox vaccine?
Ans. Some people should not consider or wait for the chickenpox vaccine, especially if anyone gets moderately or severely ill before getting a chickenpox shot scheduled until they get well. Additionally, anyone who had an allergic reaction to the first shot should avoid the second shot. Other people who should avoid the shot include:
- Pregnant women.
- Anyone who is allergic to gelatin ( a component in the varicella vaccine).
- Anyone allergic to neomycin.
- Anyone with an immune system disease.
- Anyone who receives high doses of steroids.
- Anyone who has cancer or receives treatment for cancer with X-rays, drugs, or chemotherapy.
- Have HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system.
- Anyone who had a transfusion or received blood products within five months before the shot.
Is there a pre-immunization checklist before receiving the chickenpox vaccine?
Ans. Yes, there’s a pre-immunization checklist you need to go through before receiving the vaccine, which includes:
- Are unwell (have a temperature over 38.5 °C)
- Have allergies to any medicines or substances.
- Experience a serious reaction to any vaccine.
- Have had a serious allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine in the first shot.
- Have a severe allergy to anything.
- Have a disease or treatment that reduces your immunity.
- Have received another vaccine within the last month or plan another vaccine within a month of chickenpox immunisation.
- Have received a blood or plasma transfusion or immunoglobulins within the last 3 to 11 months, or are going to receive them within 3 weeks of the chickenpox immunization.
- Taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
- Being pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
Are there any possible side effects after the chickenpox vaccine?
Ans. Generally, chickenpox vaccines are very safe. But like all vaccines and medications, it involves certain side effects, such as:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
- Fever
- Fainting
- A mild rash.
- Temporary joint pain and stiffness.
Rarely, more serious side effects may occur, including:
- Severe rash.
- Lung or liver infections.
- Meningitis.
- Severe infection.
- Febrile seizures, rarely with the MMRV vaccine.
It’s rare, but someone may develop a severe allergic reaction. Call 911 or the local emergency number if you and your child are showing any of the following symptoms:
- Hives.
- Swelling of the face and throat.
- Trouble breathing.
- Dizziness.
- Fast heart rate.
- Weakness.
The chickenpox vaccine is very necessary to give to children to protect them with lifetime immunity against chickenpox, a highly contagious disease. While it gets better in most children, in some cases it can lead to severe complications. No one can predict when or to whom that will happen. That’s why it is important to get vaccinated against it to prevent the disease, or if you get infected, the chickenpox symptoms will be mild. As a parent, you should consult with your doctor to ensure your child is getting vaccinated with the chickenpox vaccine. Need help with the chickenpox vaccine for your child? Visit our infectious disease specialist in the Brooklyn clinic to get professional medical help. Book your appointment now, call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to get treated! Learn more about infectious diseases at www.doralhw.org. and stay up to date on current health topics and new research, on recent infectious diseases like COVID-19. If you need help, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
