Varicella (chickenpox) is a highly contagious disease that causes an itchy, blister-like rash, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and headache. Because the rash is so itchy, scratching can break the skin and increase the risk of bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. These secondary infections often lead to serious complications such as pneumonia (lung infection), encephalitis (brain infection), cerebral ataxia (loss of coordination and balance), internal bleeding, sepsis (blood infection), stroke, dehydration or death. While chickenpox is usually a mild disease for many children, it’s not mild for everyone – and there’s no way to predict who will develop complications.
Why does my child need protection against varicella?
Because chickenpox is so contagious, it spreads easily from an infected person to anyone who has never had the virus and is unvaccinated. Up to 90% of people who are not immune will become infected after close contact with someone who has chickenpox. The best way to prevent chickenpox is to protect your child with the vaccine.
Which vaccines protect against varicella?
There are two chickenpox vaccines available in the U.S. The varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox only while the MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella. Children need two doses of varicella vaccine at 12-15 months of age and 4-6 years of age.
Is it safe?
The varicella vaccine is safe – side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Side effects may include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, fever or mild rash.
The MMR vaccine is also very safe - hundreds of millions of doses have been given over the past 50 years. Side effects of the vaccine occur infrequently, but can include fever, soreness at the injection site and rash. If your child has a weakened immune system, you should talk to your child’s doctor prior to vaccinating. The MMR vaccine does not cause autism.
Is it effective?
Yes, the vaccine is very effective. Two doses provide about 90% protection against chickenpox. Since the vaccine was first introduced, the U.S. has experienced more than a 97% decrease in chickenpox cases, and hospitalizations and deaths have become rare.