Chicken Pox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes an itchy, blister-like rash. The rash appears first on the chest, back, and face, and then spreads over the entire body.

CDC recommends two doses of chickenpox vaccine for children, adolescents, and adults who have never had chickenpox and were never vaccinated. Children are routinely recommended to receive the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.

VACCINATION
Who Needs Chickenpox Vaccine

Children under age 13 years should get two doses:

• First dose at age 12 through 15 months.
• Second dose at age 4 through 6 years.

The second dose may be given at an earlier age if it is given at least 3 months after the first dose.
People 13 years of age and older who have never had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine should get two doses, at least 28 days apart. Chickenpox vaccination is especially important for:

• Healthcare professionals
• People who care for or are around other people whose body is less able to fight germs and sickness (weakened immune system)
• Teachers
• Childcare workers
• Residents and staff in nursing homes and other residential settings
• College students
• Inmates and staff of correctional institutions
• Military personnel
• Non-pregnant women of child-bearing age
• Adolescents and adults living with children
• International travelers

Some people with a weakened immune system who do not have immunity against chickenpox may be considered for vaccination after talking with their doctor, including:
• People with HIV infection
• People with cancer, but whose disease is in remission
• People on low dose steroids

Who Should Not Get Chickenpox Vaccine
You do not need to get the chickenpox vaccine if you have evidence of immunity against the disease.
Some people should not get chickenpox vaccine or they should wait.
• People should check with their doctor about whether they should get chickenpox vaccine if they:
o Have HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system.
o Are being treated with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids, for 2 weeks or longer.
o Have any kind of cancer.
o Are getting cancer treatment with radiation or drugs.
o Recently had a transfusion or were given other blood products.

Getting Vaccinated After You Are Exposed to Chickenpox

Getting vaccinated after you are exposed to someone with chickenpox can:
• Prevent the disease or make it less serious.
• Protect you from chickenpox if you are exposed again in the future.
A healthcare provider can prescribe a medicine to make chickenpox less severe if you:
• Are exposed to chickenpox.
• Do not have immunity against the disease.
• Are not eligible for vaccination.

Chickenpox vaccine prevents the disease and outbreaks in childcare.

Adverse Reaction
• In high-risk patients, papule and vesicular eruptions accompanied by mild fever may occur 14 to 30 days after vaccination.
• Herpes zoster may occur to a high-risk population, which is not serious

Common adverse effects:
• Pain/Soreness
• Swelling
• Rash
• Pruritus
• Fever

Primera Hospital has walk-in appointments for all kinds of vaccines available in our hospital including Hepatitis B. We are open on all weekdays