Chickenpox/Varicella Vaccination

Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus

(VZV). It causes a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness, and fever. Chickenpox
used to be very common in the United States. Each year, chickenpox caused
about 4 million cases, about 10,600 hospitalizations and 100 to 150 deaths.

Two doses of the vaccine are about 90% effective at preventing chickenpox.
When you get vaccinated, you protect yourself and others in your
community. This is especially important for people who cannot get
vaccinated, such as those with weakened immune systems or pregnant
women.

Some people who are vaccinated against chickenpox may still get the
disease. However, it is usually milder with fewer blisters and little or no fever.
Talk with your healthcare professional if you have questions about
chickenpox vaccine.

Why should my child get the chickenpox shot?

● Protects your child from chickenpox (varicella), a potentially serious

and even deadly disease.
● Keeps your child from missing up to one week of school or childcare
(and keeps you from missing work to care for your sick child).

What are the side effects?

Most children don’t have any side effects from the shot. The side effects that
do occur are usually mild, and may include:

● Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given

● Fever
● Mild rash
● Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints
What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a disease that causes an itchy rash of blisters and a fever. A

person with chickenpox may have as many as 500 blisters. The rash can
spread over the whole body. Chickenpox can be serious, even
life-threatening, especially in babies, adolescents, adults, pregnant women
and people with weakened immune systems.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Chickenpox usually causes the following symptoms:

● An itchy rash of blisters

● Fever
● Headache
● Feeling tired

Symptoms usually last about a week. In some cases, chickenpox can cause
serious problems.

Is chickenpox serious?

Chickenpox is usually mild in children, but the itching can be very

uncomfortable. Children who get chickenpox can miss about a week of
school or child care.

In some cases, chickenpox can cause serious problems, such as:

● Skin infections
● Dehydration (loss of body fluids)
● Pneumonia (an infection in the lungs)
● Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)

Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases

Reference:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/varicella.html