The chickenpox immunization became available in the United States in May 1995. This is a brief review of the immunization and our recommendations..
Arguments against the use of the vaccine: Chickenpox in the majority of infants and children is not a very serious disease. The immunity from the vaccine may not last as long as immunity from getting the chickenpox infection. Also, the chickenpox virus in many people lives forever and can cause herpes zoster or shingles later in life.
Rationale for the use of the chickenpox vaccine: There is little side effect and there seems to be no increased risk of zoster later in life after the use of the chickenpox vaccine. Chickenpox does cause a significant loss of time from school and time from work by the parents. Though rare, serious complications and death can occur, especially in adolescents and adults.
The vaccine: The chickenpox vaccine is a live, attenuated virus vaccine that is similar to the measles, mumps or rubella vaccines currently given in a combination shot. The vaccine is effective and induces immunity in over 70% of infants and children after a single injection. Adults require two shots. There is now a recommendation for booster shot at about age 5, or 3 months after the first shot if the first shot was after age 5. The chicken pox shot comes combined with measles, mumps and rubella (less needle sticks for the child), or it can be administered alone.
There is also a similar immunization given to adults, especially older adults, to help prevent zoster or shingles.
Recommendations: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the chicken pox shot. Because of the decreased loss of sick time from catching chicken pox and the safety of the immunization, we recommend the shot for all children after the first birthday.
The official Center for Disease Control handout for Chicken Pox (Varicella) is available through the CDC Vaccine Information Statements site. You should review it before getting the Varicella vaccine for your child.
Ted Humphry, M.D. 822-2441
this information last updated 1/07