Chickenpox Vaccine

The chickenpox vaccine is administered as a preventive measure for the occurrence of chickenpox. In this article we will discuss about the chickenpox vaccine and how this disease can be prevented...

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease (which means that it has a tendency to spread from an infected person to a healthy one) that is caused due to the infestation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in the body. Chickenpox, which is also known as varicella in medical terms, is very common during spring and winter and usually affects children below 15 years of age. It is also seen in older children and adults. However, chickenpox in adults is uncommon as compared to children. The infection is mild and is not life threatening, but it can cause quite a lot of discomfort, especially for children. But there are also a few cases, where the patients may require hospitalization and in rare cases (seen in children), it can even result in death. So to prevent this highly contagious viral disease, it is essential to get a chickenpox vaccine. The only bright streak about this infectious disease is that once a person gets chicken pox, he may not fall prey to it again, even if the virus stays inside the body.

Duration for Chicken Pox Vaccine

Chickenpox vaccination is usually administered through injections. Given below is the duration of the chicken pox vaccine according to the age of the child. The dose of the vaccine will be decided by the pediatrician. Chicken pox vaccine rash can be seen at the site of the injection.

A child aged 12 to 15 months should be given the first dose of chickenpox vaccine.

The second dose should be given when the child is 4 to 6 years old. This dose can also be administered if the child is below 4, but make sure that there is a 3 month gap between the first and second doses.

Children who are 13 or older who have not suffered from chickenpox and not yet received the vaccine must be given two doses, with a gap of four to six weeks between each dose.

Children, 13 and above, who have received the vaccine and have not suffered from a bout of chicken pox should be given the second vaccine as a preventive measure.

Chickenpox Symptoms

How to detect the presence of this annoying disease? As like other disease, chickenpox also exhibits a few symptoms. Given below are some of the symptoms of chicken pox.

The primary and common symptom of chicken pox is the appearance of fluid filled blisters, which can cause an itching sensation. These blisters can appear all over the body and become rashes once they burst and form crusts.

Some individuals may also have a low grade fever and headache, which may range from mild to severe.

General feeling of discomfort and uneasiness. Some children may also appear to be irritable.

Loss of appetite and abdominal pain.

Generalized body weakness and fatigue.

Chickenpox Treatment

Take your child to the doctor if you notice any of the above chickenpox symptoms and treatment will be administered accordingly. The doctor may prescribe anti-viral medications that can lessen the severity of the condition. Antibiotics may also be prescribed as a remedy for fever and headache. Some of these drugs may have to be administered intravenously in case the symptoms are severe.

Chicken Pox Vaccine Side Effects

Side effects for any drug can occur when the body rejects it or if the drug reacts with other medications. Given below are some of the side effects of the chickenpox vaccine.

A feeling or soreness and swelling at the site of shot.

Mild fever and headache.

In moderate degree, seizures may occur. But this is seen only in 1 out of 100 people.

In very rare cases, the individual may suffer from lung infections or pneumonia.

Administering chickenpox vaccine will keep your child from contracting this viral disease. In case of very small children, vaccines should be given only after consulting the doctor. Immunization is very important if you want to prevent the occurrence of any disease. Hope you found this article on chicken pox vaccine helpful and informative. Wish you good health and take care!