HealthandDiets.com - The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine

The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that the vaccine provides complete protection from the virus for 80 percent to 90 percent of people who receive it.

When the vaccine doesn't provide complete protection, it significantly lessens the severity of the disease.

The chickenpox vaccine (Varivax) is recommended for:

Young children. In the United States, children receive one dose of the varicella vaccine between 12 and 18 months of age, as part of a routine immunization schedule.

Unvaccinated older children. Children between 19 months and 13 years of age who haven't had chickenpox should also receive one dose of the vaccine.

Unvaccinated adults who've never had chickenpox but are at high risk of exposure. This includes health care workers, teachers, child-care employees, international travelers, adults who live with young children and all women of childbearing age.

Adults and children older than 13 who've never had chickenpox or been vaccinated usually receive two doses of the vaccine, four to eight weeks apart. If you don't remember whether you've had chickenpox or the vaccine, a blood test can determine your immunity.

If you've had chickenpox, you don't need the vaccine. A case of the chickenpox usually makes a person immune to the virus for life. It's possible to get chickenpox more than once, but it's not common.

The vaccine isn't approved for:

Pregnant women
People with weakened immunity
People who are allergic to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin

Talk to your doctor if you're unsure about your need for the vaccine. If you're planning on becoming pregnant, consult with your doctor to make sure you're up-to-date on your vaccinations before conceiving a child.

Is the chickenpox vaccine safe and effective?

Parents typically wonder whether vaccines are safe. Since it became available, this vaccine has been given to millions of people. Studies continue to show the vaccine to be safe and effective.

Side effects are generally mild and include redness, soreness, swelling and, rarely, small bumps at the site of the shot.

Experts believe that protection from the chickenpox vaccine will last at least 10 to 20 years and perhaps longer, but it's too early to tell whether a booster shot may be necessary later in life. Some vaccines require booster doses. Time and study will tell if Varivax is one of them.

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