Varicella (chickenpox) Vaccine
recommendations are coming, probably Jan 2007.
About the Disease
Varicella is a common childhood disease which can be serious. It
spreads when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of
others. Chickenpox causes a rash, itching, tiredness and fever. It can lead to
pneumonia, brain damage or death. A person who has had chickenpox can develop
zoster (shingles) years later. Shingles causes a painful skin rash.
About the Vaccine
Chickenpox vaccine is the best way to prevent against chickenpox. About
70-90% of people who get the vaccine are protected from chickenpox. If
vaccinated children do get chickenpox, it is usually very mild. They have fewer
spots, lower fever, and recover more quickly. Vaccinated children who get this
milder form of chickenpox can still spread the disease to others who are not
Who Should Get the Vaccine?
- Children between 12 and 18 months of age: most children in this age
group should have one dose of chickenpox vaccine.
- Children between 10 months and their 13th birthday: All children who
have not had chickenpox or gotten chickenpox vaccine should be vaccinated
before their 13th birthday. We will give children 11 or 12 years of age the
vaccine if they need it. However, the vaccine may be given at any time between
19 months and 12 years.
- People 13 years or older: Some people 13 years or older who have not
had chickenpox or gotten the chickenpox vaccine should get two doses of the
vaccine 4 to 8 weeks apart. Chickenpox vaccine may be given at the same time as
Cautions: Tell us if the person getting the vaccine:
- Ever had a serious reaction to chickenpox vaccine, neomycin, or
- Now has a moderate or serious illness.
- Is pregnant.
- Is unable to fight serious infections because of: a disease like
HIV/AIDS, treatment with drugs such as long-term steroids, any kind of cancer,
cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
- Has gotten blood products (such as immune globulin or a transfusion)
during the past several months
Risks from the Vaccine
As with any medicine, there are very small risks that serious problems,
even death, could occur after getting the chickenpox vaccine. However, almost
all people who use the vaccine have no problems. It has not been shown to cause
any serious problems. The risks from the vaccine are smaller than the risks
from the disease.
- soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given (about 1 of 5
- Very mild rash or several small bumps (3-4 out of 100 doses)
- It may be possible for someone who gets a rash from chickenpox
vaccine to give chickenpox to another person. If the person getting the vaccine
is in close contact with anyone whose inmmune system is not working properly,
make sure you tell us.
- Fever over 102 (15 out of 100 doses) Do not use aspirin to reduce
fever in children
- seizure (less than 1 of 100 doses) although this may not be related
to the vaccine
What to do if there is a serious reaction
- Call a doctor or get the person to a doctor right away.
- Write down what happened and the date and time it happened.
- If you find that you were pregnant when you got the chickenpox
vaccine, or if you get pregnant within 3 months after getting the vaccine,
contact your doctor or call 1.800.986.8999.
Information from the CDC, US Department of Health and Human Services