Chicken Pox Vaccine
To do or not to do... That is the question.
Chicken Pox has nothing to do with birds or dinner; it is a virus that causes red bumps (maybe similar to the look of a plucked chicken?) to erupt, blister, and scab over. The Chicken Pox vaccine is known as the varicella vaccine because that is the name of the virus that causes Chicken Pox.
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate is the source of never ending debates. The chicken pox vaccination is one of the vaccinations that are included in the debate. It is an individual choice to get the chicken pox vaccine or to pass on it. The Chicken Pox vaccine does come with risks, so the decision should be an informed decision and not be made without research. Doctors and nurses tend to be on the pro-vaccine side while alternative medical health care professionals and some informed parents tend to be on the anti-vaccine side. No one can tell you what is best in your situation, so it is best to be informed, educated, and do research on the subject before making a final decision.
Chicken Pox is a virus. The symptoms usually include a fever, headache, and sore throat that will be followed by an itchy rash. The rash begins with red bumps that will blister, burst, and then scab over. Chicken Pox has an incubation of 14-16 days. Infants, pregnant women, teens, adults, and those with a compromised immune system are at a higher risk for complications.
The Pros
- Prevents Chicken Pox
- Possible milder symptoms than if not vaccinated
- Severe reactions are rare
- Prevents the spread of Chicken Pox
The Cons
- Complications and side affects
- May not be as effective as reported
- Allergic reactions
- Some people in the population are excluded
Most healthy people can get the Chicken Pox vaccination. It is recommended for individuals who around large groups of people (health care workers, teachers, students, etc.) and those who will be traveling outside of the United States. Those who should not get the vaccine are pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and have certain allergies.
Side Effects
Some of the side affects and complications that could occur from receiving the Chicken Pox vaccine can be mild to life threatening and may include the following:
- Soreness and swelling at injection sight
- Fever
- Mild rash
- Seizure from high fever
- Pneumonia
- Allergic reactions
An allergic reaction can include the following:
- Difficulty breathing
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing
- Hives
- Paleness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Fast heart beat
It is reported that the symptoms of Chicken Pox is milder for those who receive the vaccine when they come down with Chicken Pox (How Long Is Chicken Pox Contagious?). This may not be entirely accurate due to those who are not vaccinated and come down with a mild to moderate outbreak of Chicken Pox do not contact their health care professional. Those who do not receive the vaccine do not always report if they do or do not get Chicken Pox. It is not known how many people who did not receive the vaccine have antibodies to the varicella virus (Chicken Pox). Symptoms can be so mild that a Chicken Pox outbreak is not diagnosed or the antibodies occur without being vaccinated by unknowing exposure to the virus in everyday life.
When children get vaccinated the recommended schedule is as follows:
- 1st Dose: 12-18 months of age
- 2nd Dose: 4-6 years of age (may be given earlier, if at least 3 months after the 1st dose)
- People 13 years of age and older (who have never had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine) should get two doses at least 28 days apart
No matter what the age that a Chicken Pox vaccination is being considered, it is recommended to do some research before making a final decision.
Chicken Pox After Vaccine
Learn about Chicken Pox After Vaccine.
