Chicken Pox Vaccine For Children – Everything You Need To Know
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Chickenpox is an infectious disease that mainly affects children. It is a contagious disease that causes an itchy rash followed by red spots and blisters all over the body. In this post you can find information about the disease and its vaccination process. You can also find the safety concerns regarding the use of chicken pox vaccine for children and what age do kids get chicken pox vaccine.
What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a very contagious viral infection that manifests as a rash all over the body. The rash consists of blisters that can be few or many, individualized or in clusters and can be itchy and painful. It is also known as varicella.
- The cause of chickenpox is the infection from the varicella-zoster virus. A healthy person can also become infected by sharing the affected person’s drinks or food or through the patient’s saliva particles present in the air.
- The rash is the characteristic symptom of chickenpox. Before the appearance of the rash, your child may experience excessive fatigue, fever and appetite loss. Once the rash appears, it may take up to two weeks for each spot to burst, dry and develop a scab over it. The patient is healthy again when no new blisters appear and once all the spots have developed crusts over them.[1]
[ Read: Immunization Schedule for Children ]
Types Of Chicken pox Vaccine For Children:
There are two types of chickenpox vaccine for kids are available these days. Ask your child’s doctor for the best type of chickenpox vaccine for him. [2]
- MMRV vaccine gives your child protection from four diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella and of course from varicella. It can only be administered to children who are a year older and not more than 12 years of age.
- The other option is the varicella vaccine that offers protection only from the varicella-zoster virus. This chickenpox vaccine for child can be used for anyone above the age of one.
[ Read: MMR Vaccine For Children ]
Schedule For Chickenpox Vaccine:
Chickenpox vaccine consists of two doses.
- The first dose schedule is when the child is between the ages of 12 to 15 months.
- The second dose schedule is when the child is between the ages of 4 to 6 years.
The minimum gap between the two doses is 3 months. If your child is 13 years of age or older, the gap between his two doses must be of minimum 28 days. [3]
Is Chickenpox Vaccine For Children Safe?
Chickenpox vaccine offers extremely-high protection from the disease. But there are mild risks associated with the vaccine. The risks are low and are considered a better bet than a child contracting the infection, which can cause severe symptoms. [4]
Side Effects Of Chickenpox Vaccine:
- Fever
- Soreness at the vaccination site
- Seizures
- Allergic reactions
- Pneumonia
Immediately call your child’s doctor in case of the following reactions:
- Severe allergic reactions like swollen mouth and throat, difficulty in breathing, hives and dizziness. These reactions are most likely to occur immediately after the vaccination or within a few hours of a dose.
- High fever
- Any behavioral changes
[ Read: Polio Vaccine Schedule For Children ]
Other Caution:
There are also some other concerns with the child’s chickenpox vaccine, so carefully consider them before you take your child for his first dose. [5]
- Make sure your child is not sick during the vaccination.
- Children who suffer from cancer or disorders of the immune system must not get the chickenpox vaccine.
- In case your child has had blood transfusions, there is a wait period of at least 5 months before he can take his chickenpox vaccine.
- If your child is allergic to gelatin, ask for the chickenpox vaccine that contains no traces of the substance.
- In case your child suffers from extreme allergic reactions after his first dose, his doctor may advise against the second dose.
Chickenpox rash can leave permanent scars on your child’s skin. With chickenpox vaccine, you can save your child much pain and discomfort during the infection and also after it clears up.
Did you take your child for his chickenpox vaccination? Did he suffer from any side effects after his first dose? Please share your experience with our readers. Don’t forget to leave a comment below.
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