The Chicken Pox (Varicella) Vaccine
What is
chicken pox?
Chicken
pox is a disease caused by the varicella virus. It is a very contagious
disease that affects almost all people. Prior to the use of the vaccine
in 1995, chicken pox caused:
- 4 million cases each year
- 11,000 hospitalizations each year
- 100 deaths each year
Although it is a mild disease, chicken pox can be severe. Common problems include:
- Secondary bacterial infections (including the "flesh eating" streptococcal bacteria that has been mentioned frequently in the news over the past few years)
- Dehydration
- Scarring
- Pneumonia
- Brain involvement (encephalitis)
- Increased risk for blood clots
If my
child develops chicken pox, what should I expect?
Chicken
pox usually begins with a mild fever for one to two days prior to the
development of the rash. The chicken pox rash usually begins on the trunk
and scalp. Over the next three to four days, the rash will spread to the
face, arms, and legs. On average, the rash will consist of 250 to 500
itchy blisters, which will turn into scabs over the next three to four
days.
How long
is a person with chicken pox contagious?
A
child is contagious from one to two days before the rash starts until
five to seven days after the rash appears (i.e. until all the blisters
become scabs). Therefore, your child must stay at home until he/she is
no longer contagious (up to 10 days).
How long
after being exposed to chicken pox may my child develop the disease?
It
takes about 10-21 days after exposure.
Why should
my child receive the chicken pox vaccine?
The
vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent disease and reduce complications.
The reasons to vaccinate include:
- Reducing the complications of chicken pox (secondary bacterial infections, scars, pneumonia, brain damage, death, clotting problems)
- Reducing the number of days of school missed (a child will miss an average of 6-8 days of school if the get chicken pox)
- Reducing the risk of having shingles in the future
- A requirement to enter the Georgia public school system
When should
my child get the chicken pox vaccine?
The
vaccine should be given at 12 months of age or at any age after that if
your child has not had chicken pox. Your child will need only one dose
if he/she is less than 13 years old. If the vaccine is given to a person
13 years or older, they will need TWO shots spaced 4-8 weeks apart.
What are
the side effects of the vaccine?
Studies
have shown the vaccine to be safe and effective. Most people who get the
vaccine do not have any problems with it. Common side effects include:
- Soreness at the site of the shot
- Fever occurring 1-2 weeks after getting the vaccine lasting 1-2 days
- A mild rash occurring 1-2 weeks after getting the vaccine consisting of several small bumps usually at the site of the shot
Your practitioner will discuss the vaccine with you at the one year check up (or any check up after that if your child has had neither the vaccine or the disease).
FOR MORE INFO:
- Discuss with your practitioner or nurse
- Check
out the CDC's National Immunization Program website (www.cdc.gov/nip)