Many family members that think about chickenpox look back to the days when they suffered the itches and hives for a week out of school. Sometimes those stories are funny ones, while those are much more serious, and people spent time in the hospital. Many people may not be aware that there is now a Chickenpox vaccine. Thanks to advancements in medicine children no longer have to suffer the way many adults did growing up with Chickenpox. Read on to learn more about Chickenpox, a common myth surrounding the vaccine, and its safety.

What is Chickenpox?

A virus that infects the upper respiratory tract. It is so contagious that many times entire household will get it at the same time. The symptoms are:

• Fever
• Rash starting on the head and spreads to the rest of the body
• Extreme itching
• Anywhere from 300-500 blisters throughout the life cycle of Chickenpox

Who should get the vaccine?

• Recommended for all children 12-15 months, with a second dose between 4-6 years old.
• Consult your physician if you are above that age but want the vaccine.

Who should not get the vaccine? People who are diagnosed with the following.

• Cancer
• Some types of immune deficiencies
• HIV
• Allergic to gelatin
• People on long-term immunosuppressive therapy or high-dose steroids
• Anyone who has recently received blood products
• Women who are pregnant

Is the Chickenpox Vaccine safe?

• The side effects associated with getting it can include tenderness at the site of the shot, low fever, or mild rash, typically around the area of the shot, but not always.

Mythbuster: Does the Chickenpox vaccine cause Shingles?

• People who get the chickenpox vaccine have a lower risk of getting shingles later in life than those who were infected with the natural virus.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes. Before the chickenpox vaccine, every year about 10,000 people were hospitalized and about 50 to 100 died from chickenpox. Now the chickenpox vaccine does not cause any severe side effects. So, the benefits of getting the chickenpox vaccine outweigh the risk.

What about the Chickenpox party? What are they, and is it safe?

During these “parties,” children are intentionally exposed to infected children and their belongings, such as cups, lollipops, clothing, and toys in the hope that they, too, develop chickenpox. Because complications and death can occur during chickenpox infections and because the chickenpox vaccine is safe, not chickenpox parties. The vaccine is the smartest and safest way to protect your child from chickenpox.