The recently added chickenpox vaccination has been controversial with some parents and many questions may appear when vaccinating young children, according to the standard immunization schedule. First of all, what is chickenpox, and how is it contracted? Second of all, what is the varicella vaccine, and what are the vaccination side effects? Are there risks involved in receiving the varicella vaccine? Is the varicella vaccine effective against contracting chickenpox? Finally, at what age is the chickenpox vaccine given and who should avoid it?
What is Chickenpox Infection?
Chickenpox infection is typically characterized as a childhood disease. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus. Infection with this virus leads to a fever and an itchy rash. It is spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing or direct contact of the rash.
Symptoms of chickenpox include blister-like lesions that cover a great deal of the body. It typically is more prominent in the face, scalp, and trunk areas. Many people who become infected with chickenpox will have a fever.
Complications of chickenpox can lead to pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and bacterial infection of the skin. Young children have a lower risk of developing serious complications than adolescents and adults.
When is the Varicella Vaccine Administered?
The Varicella vaccine is recommended to be administered in two doses before the age of six. The first dose is typically given between the ages of 12 and 15 months, and the second should be given between the ages of four and six. Older children and adults may receive the varicella vaccine later in life if necessary to prevent the chickenpox disease.
Effectiveness of Varicella Vaccine
According to the CDC, the varicella vaccine is not 100 percent effective, but its effectiveness rate is very high. It has been deemed to provide complete protection from contracting chickenpox in eight to nine out of every 10 people vaccinated. It is also effective in reducing community outbreaks of chickenpox. In those who do contract the disease, it typically ends up being a mild form of chickenpox rather than severe.
Varicella Vaccination Side Effects and Risks
According to the CDC, contracting the chickenpox disease is by far worse than getting the chickenpox vaccine. Any noted reactions have appeared more often after the first dose rather than the second.
Mild problems associated with the varicella vaccination include soreness or swelling at the shot site, fever or mild rash. Moderate problems associated with the varicella vaccination include seizure caused by fever, which has been deemed to be rare. More severe problems, which are also rare, include pneumonia. The instances of reported pneumonia have not been indicated as conclusively linked to the varicella vaccine.
The advice of a doctor should be consulted when determining the effectiveness and safety of the varicella vaccination. All information provided on the varicella vaccine is for intended only for educational purposes and should not replace the advice of a physician.
Related Articles: Rotavirus Vaccine Information and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Information
Source:
Center for Disease Control
Renee Holmes - Renee Holmes began her writing career when she was invited to join the Young Authors Club in the first grade. From that point on, writing ...
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