The varicella vaccine, also known as the chickenpox vaccine, is one of a host of vaccines used in children and teens. Although thought of as a harmless disease, chickenpox can lead to some serious consequences. Has your teen gotten this vaccine or the right number of doses?
What is it? Varicella vaccine, otherwise known as the chickenpox vaccine.
Brand names: In the United States, the brand available is Varivax®.
Who is it for? The varicella vaccine is recommended for all children ages 1 and over. Any teen or preteen who has not been previously vaccinated, and who has never had the disease, should get the vaccine. Not sure if your child was vaccinated? Ask your provider to do a simple blood test to make sure your teen is protected against the disease.
How is it given? The vaccine is given in two doses. The first dose will be given at your providers office. For teens over 13 years old, the second dose should be given 4 to 8 weeks after the first dose. For any child under 13 years old, the second dose should be given 3 months after the first dose.
What does it do? The varicella vaccine protects against infection with the varicella zoster virus (VZV). This virus causes the disease chickenpox. Twenty or 30 years ago, this was a common disease of childhood as it is highly contagious and there was no vaccine to prevent it. You can get the disease through coughing and sneezing, through directly contacting the lesions (rash), or even through breathing in virus particles that enter the air from the rash. Although chickenpox often caused just a skin rash, the virus can cause severe complications in certain individuals, particularly adults and teenagers. These complications include a bacterial skin infection, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) or a dangerous form of pneumonia. Additionally, getting the varicella vaccine may prevent the disease shingles in the future. Shingles show up as a rash of fluid-filled blisters. These blisters are often preceded by itching, numbness, burning or intense pain in the area where the rash eventually shows up. Having your teen fully immunized against chickenpox will prevent your child from getting the rash, the more serious complications of the disease, and may prevent a uncomfortable condition your teen could develop when he is much older.
Common side effects: Soreness or swelling at the injection site, fever, or rash. The rash after a chickenpox vaccination can appear up to a month after getting the shot. Although it is rare, it is possible for the person with the rash to give the varicella infection to others. Seizures are also possible if a high fever occurs.
Who should not get it: Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its components. A serious allergic reaction includes difficulty breathing, throat swelling, hives, weakness, dizziness or a rapid heartbeat. If your teen has ever had an allergic reaction to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin, he should not receive this vaccine.
Sources:
Possible Side-effects from Vaccines. Centers for Disease Control. November 29, 2008. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine. Centers for Disease Control. November 29, 2008. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/default.htm
Varivax®. Merck & Co. November 29, 2008. https://www.merckvaccines.com/varivaxProductPage_frmst.html
