Chickenpox

Alternative Names

Prevention

Because chickenpox is airborne and very contagious before the rash appears, it is difficult to avoid. It is possible to catch chickenpox from someone on a different aisle in the supermarket, who doesn’t even know they have chickenpox!

A chickenpox vaccine is part of the routine immunization schedule. It is about 100% effective against moderate or severe illness, and 85-90% effective against mild chickenpox. Parents often express concern that the immunity from the vaccine might not last. The chickenpox vaccine, though, is the only routine vaccine that does not require a booster. However, a higher dose of the vaccine given later in life may reduce the incidence of herpes zoster (shingles). Reimmunization with the high dose is currently being considered by vaccination experts.

Talk to your doctor if you think your child might be at high risk for complications and might have been exposed. Immediate preventive measures may be important. Vaccine given early after exposure may still reduce the severity of the disease.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Infectious Diseases. Varicella vaccine update.Pediatrics. 2000 Jan;105(1 Pt 1):136-41. Review.

Burton A. Vaccine vanquishes varicella. Lancet Infect Dis. 2002; 2(4): 202.

Chen TM. Clinical manifestations of varicella-zoster virus infection. Dermatol Clin. 2002; 20(2): 267-282.

Long SS. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Disease. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2003.

This article uses information by permission from Alan Greene, M.D., © Greene Ink, Inc.