Vaccination Recommendation: Doctors recommend two doses of the chickenpox vaccine for children as the best protection against chickenpox (varicella). Individuals who have never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine should also get 2 doses. Most vaccinated individuals will be protected for life and will not get chickenpox.
Effectiveness: The chickenpox vaccine is the best protection against chickenpox, preventing almost all cases of severe illness. Children may receive separate vaccines for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and varicella (chickenpox) instead of the combined MMRV vaccine. If a vaccinated person gets chickenpox, known as breakthrough chickenpox, symptoms are usually mild with fewer blisters and low or no fever.
Dosage Schedule:
- Children under 13 years old: 2 doses
- 1st dose: 12-15 months old
- 2nd dose: 4-6 years old
- People 13 years and older: 2 doses at least 28 days apart if they have never had chickenpox or received the vaccine.
Post-Exposure Vaccination: Getting vaccinated after exposure to chickenpox can prevent the disease or make it less severe and protect against future exposures. Healthcare providers can prescribe medicine to lessen the severity if exposed and not immune or eligible for vaccination.
Importance of Vaccination: Chickenpox can be serious during pregnancy, in infants under 12 months old, adolescents, adults, and people with weakened immune systems. It can lead to hospitalization or death. Vaccination provides immunity without the risk of serious complications from the disease.
Who Should Get Vaccinated: Everyone who has never had chickenpox or was never vaccinated should get 2 doses. It is especially important for:
- Healthcare professionals
- Caregivers of people with weakened immune systems
- Residents and staff in nursing homes and residential settings
- Teachers, childcare workers, and people living with children
- College students
- Inmates and staff of correctional institutions
- International travelers
- Military personnel
- Non-pregnant people of childbearing age
Who Shouldn't Get Vaccinated: Some people should not get the chickenpox vaccine or should wait, including those who:
- Have HIV/AIDS or other immune system diseases
- Are treated with immune system-affecting drugs for 2 weeks or more
- Have any kind of cancer
- Are receiving cancer treatment with radiation or drugs
- Recently had a transfusion or received other blood products
- Are pregnant or may become pregnant
Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness: The chickenpox vaccine is safe and effective, with most side effects being mild and temporary. Two doses are about 90% effective at preventing chickenpox. Vaccination helps protect the individual and the community, especially those who cannot get vaccinated. Since the chickenpox vaccination program began in the United States, there has been a over 97% decrease in chickenpox cases, with hospitalizations and deaths becoming rare.
Chickenpox (Varicella/VAR)
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