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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Chickenpox vaccineDefinitionThis vaccine protects against chickenpox, a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Alternative NamesVaricella zoster virus vaccine; Varivax; Vaccine - chickenpox InformationChickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is very common and highly contagious, occurring more often in the winter and spring. Generally, the infection is mild and not life-threatening, but there are thousands of cases each year in which people become seriously ill, requiring hospitalization, and some people do die from it. The chickenpox vaccine works very well in preventing the disease. A small number of people who get the vaccine will still get chickenpox. However, they usually have a milder case than those seen in persons who did not receive the vaccine. WHO SHOULD RECEIVE THIS VACCINE The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that children receive two doses of the traditional chickenpox vaccine. The first should be given when the child is 12 - 15 months old. Children should receive the second dose when they are 4 – 6 years old. People 13 and older who have not received the vaccine and have not had chickenpox should get 2 doses 4 to 8 weeks apart. RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS The side effects from the chickenpox vaccine are generally minor. Some of the mild possible side effects include:
Only in very rare instances have more moderate or severe reactions been reported, including:
Other reactions, such as low blood counts and brain involvement, are so rare that their link to the vaccine is questionable. DELAY OR DO NOT GIVE THE VACCINE
CALL YOUR PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:
ReferencesChaves SS, Gargiullo P, Zhang JX, et al. Loss of vaccine-induced immunity to varicella over time. N Engl J Med. 2007;356:1121-1129. American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents--United States, 2008. Pediatrics. 2008;121:219-220. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Recommended adult immunization schedule: United States, October 2007-September 2008. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147:725-729. Review Date: 6/19/2008
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
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