Chickenpox Vaccine

What is the chickenpox vaccine?

The chickenpox vaccine helps prevent infection with varicella (chickenpox). Chickenpox is a common childhood infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (germ). This virus spreads from person to person when they breathe in the virus from the air. Contact with the fluid in chickenpox blisters may also spread the virus. Chickenpox causes fever and an itchy rash that spreads over the entire body. The rashes turn into small blisters and dries up to form scabs. This disease can lead to severe skin infections, scars, pneumonia (infection of the lungs), brain damage, or death.

How does the chickenpox vaccine work?

• The chickenpox vaccine helps decrease your risk of becoming infected with chickenpox. Those who have been vaccinated, but still get infected with chickenpox, may have milder symptoms. Vaccines work by causing your body to make antibodies against certain germs. Antibodies are special cells in your blood that protect the body and fight infection. After you receive the chickenpox vaccine, these antibodies remember the chickenpox virus. The antibodies become active and your body is better able to fight the germs.
  
  
• The vaccine is made from live chickenpox germs that are weakened. It is given as a shot under the skin and may be given in the leg or arm. The chickenpox vaccine may be given by itself or combined with other vaccines.

Who should get the chickenpox vaccine, and when?

• Children aged 12 months or older: Children should receive the chickenpox vaccination if they are not immune to chickenpox. Your child may be immune if he has had chickenpox in the past.
  
  
  • Children usually receive 2 chickenpox vaccinations. The first dose is given at 12 months of age. The second dose is given at 4 to 6 years of age. The second dose may be given before the child is 4 years old. There must be at least 3 months between doses. If your child has not received 2 chickenpox vaccinations, talk to his caregiver about when he should receive his first dose and how long he should wait for the second dose.
    
    
  
  
• Adults: Adults who have not had both chickenpox vaccinations or have never had a chickenpox infection should be vaccinated. People who have chronic (long-term) health problems, such as heart or kidney problems or diabetes, should receive 2 chickenpox vaccinations.
  
  
  • Adults should receive 2 shots at least 4 weeks apart. If you have had only had 1 dose, you should receive another. The following groups are at higher risk for infection:
    
    
    • College students
      
      
    • Healthcare workers
      
      
    • Childcare workers
      
      
    • Teachers
      
      
    • People in the military
      
      
    • People who travel to other countries
      
      
    • People who live with or work near others who have decreased immunity
      
      
    • Residents and staff of institutional settings
      
      
    • People who live in a household with children
      
      
    • People who live with a woman who is pregnant
      
      
    • Nonpregnant women of childbearing age
    
    

What if my child misses a shot of the chickenpox vaccine?

If your child misses a scheduled chickenpox vaccination, the rest of the shots should be completed. There should be at least 3 months between doses for children younger than 13 years. There should be at least 28 days between doses for children 13 years of age or older.

Who should not get a chickenpox vaccine?

• People who should not get the chickenpox vaccine: These include people who have had a life-threatening allergic response to any of the following:
  
  
  • Neomycin
    
    
  • Gelatin
    
    
  • Previous shot of the chickenpox vaccine
  
  
• The following people do not need the chickenpox vaccine because they are already protected:
  
  
  • People who have had 2 doses of the chickenpox vaccine at least 4 weeks apart
    
    
  • People who were born in the United States before 1980 but are not healthcare workers or pregnant
    
    
  • People who have been diagnosed with varicella
    
    
  • People who have had herpes zoster (shingles)
  
  
• People who should wait to get the chickenpox vaccine: The chickenpox vaccine may be delayed for any of the following reasons:
  
  
  • People who are very ill with or without fever: Your caregiver may wait until your condition improves.
    
    
  • Women who are pregnant: Pregnant women should wait to get the vaccine until after they give birth. Those who are trying to get pregnant should also delay getting the vaccine. Women should not get pregnant for 1 month after getting the vaccine.
    
    
  • People who are being treated with antiviral medicines, especially acyclovir and valacyclovir: These medicines should be stopped for at least 1 day before you get a chickenpox vaccine.
    
    
  • People who have received a smallpox vaccine: Wait at least 4 weeks between receiving a smallpox vaccine and a chickenpox vaccine.
  
  
• Ask caregivers whether you should get the chickenpox vaccine in any of the following conditions:
  
  
  • If you are being treated with medicines that weaken the immune system, such as steroids
    
    
  • If you have a disease that weakens the immune system, such as cancer, HIV or AIDS, inborn immune deficiency, or if you take medicines such as chemotherapy
    
    
  • If you have received antibody-containing blood products in the past 3 to 11 months
    
    
  • If you have untreated active tuberculosis (TB)
    
    
  • If you have a family history of a weak immune system

What are the risks of getting the chickenpox vaccine?

The area where the vaccine was given may be sore, red, tender, or swollen. There is a very small chance that the vaccine can cause chickenpox. The vaccine may cause an allergic response. Signs of an allergic response may include hives or swelling of your face. Hives are red, itchy bumps on your skin. You may have trouble breathing or swallowing. You may suddenly feel very tired or weak. As with any vaccine, there is a very small chance that it could cause serious harm or death. Talk to your caregiver if you have questions or concerns about getting the chickenpox vaccine.

What are the signs and symptoms of an allergic response to the chickenpox vaccine?

• Redness or swelling of the face
  
  
• Hives or a rash that spreads over the body
  
  
• Weakness or dizziness
  
  
• Swelling of the mouth and throat
  
  
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
  
  
• Loss of consciousness (passing out)

When should I seek immediate help?

• If you develop signs and symptoms of a serious reaction, seek medical care immediately . If you are having an allergic reaction, lie down with your legs propped up and call 911. Tell caregivers that you received a chickenpox vaccine. Tell them the date and time it was given.
  
  

Where can I get more information on chickenpox vaccine?

• The National Immunization Program Public Inquiries
  1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-05
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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