The chickenpox vaccine protects against chickenpox, a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is very common and spreads very easily. Chickenpox occurs more often in the winter and spring.
Most of the time, the infection is mild and not life-threatening. However, some people with chicken pox become seriously ill, need to be in the hospital, or even die from the disease.
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 persons who did not receive the vaccine.
WHO SHOULD RECEIVE THIS VACCINE
Children should receive two doses of the traditional chickenpox vaccine.
People 13 and older who have not received the vaccine and who have not had chickenpox should get two doses, 4 to 8 weeks apart.
People 13 and older who have had a previous dose and who have not had chickenpox should receive a second dose.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
The side effects from the chickenpox vaccine are generally minor and may 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
The following people should not get the chickenpox vaccine:
The following people should talk to their doctor about the proper timing of the chickenpox vaccine.
CALL YOUR PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:
Varicella zoster virus vaccine; Varivax; Vaccine - chickenpox
Chaves SS, Gargiullo P, Zhang JX, et al. Loss of vaccine-induced immunity to varicella over time. N Engl J Med. 2007;356:1121-1129.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended adult immunization schedule—United States, 2012. MMWR 2012;61(4).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0 Through 18 Years -- United States,2012, MMWR 2012;61(05);1-4.
Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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