Chickenpox is a highly communicable disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) with an attack rate of 90% in close contacts. Chickenpox vaccine can prevent chickenpox. Previously a common childhood infection that affected almost all children, Chickenpox is now relatively uncommon because of successful prevention with universal vaccination.

Chickenpox disease is usually mild, but it can be serious, especially in young infants and adults. It causes rash, itching, fever, and tiredness. Chickenpox may lead to severe skin infection, scars, pneumonia, brain damage or death.

How chicken pox is transmitted

The chickenpox virus can spread from person to person through the air or by contact with fluid from chickenpox blisters.

Two doses of the vaccine are about 90% effective at preventing chickenpox. When you get vaccinated, you protect yourself and others in your community. This is especially important for people who cannot get vaccinated, such as those with weakened immune systems.

Most people who get chickenpox vaccine will not get chickenpox. But if someone who has been vaccinated does get chickenpox, it is usually very mild. They will have fewer blisters, are less likely to have a fever, and will recover faster.

Available Brand names for Chickenpox vaccine

Vaccination Schedule of Chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine

Doctors recommend that your child get two doses of the chickenpox shot for best protection. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages:

• 12 through 15 months
• 4 through 6 years

Recommended Doses-

Routine vaccination:

• Minimum age: 12 months

• Administer the first dose at age 15 through 18 months and the second dose at age 4 through 6 years.

• The second dose may be administered before age 4 years, provided at least 3 months have elapsed since the first dose. If the second dose was administered at least 4 weeks after the first dose, it can be accepted as valid.

• The risk of breakthrough varicella is lower if given 15 months onwards.

Catch-up vaccination:

• Ensure that all persons aged 7 through 18 years without ‘evidence of immunity’ has 2 doses of the vaccine.

• For children aged 12 months through 12 years, the recommended minimum interval between doses is 3 months. However, if the second dose was administered at least 4 weeks after the first dose, it can be accepted as valid.

• For persons without evidence of immunity, administer 2 doses if not previously vaccinated or the second dose if only 1 dose has been administered.

• ‘Evidence of immunity’ to varicella includes any of the following:

  • documentation of age-appropriate vaccination with a varicella vaccine

  • laboratory evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease

  • diagnosis or verification of a history of varicella disease by a health-care provider

  • diagnosis or verification of a history of herpes zoster by a health-care provider

Special precautions required for Chickenpox vaccination under following circumstances

• A child should not get chickenpox vaccine if he/she has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of chickenpox vaccine or to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin.

• A child who is moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should usually wait until he/she recover before getting chickenpox vaccine.

• You should check with your doctor about whether your child should get chickenpox vaccine, if he/she:

  • Has HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system.

  • Is being treated with drugs that affect the immune system.

  • Has any kind of cancer.

Possible Side Effects of Chickenpox vaccine

Most of the children who get chickenpox vaccine do not have any problems with it. If reactions occur, they are usually more likely after the first dose than after the second. The common side effects are Fever, reactions at the site of injection including redness, pain & swelling. Others may have irritability or itching at the injection site.

Parents can do the following things before, during and after vaccine visits to make them easier and less stressful.

Before the vaccination visit

• Read any vaccine materials you received from your child’s health care professional. Learn more about the benefits & side effects of Varicella vaccine.

• Take your child’s personal immunization record to your appointment.

• Get enough food and pacifiers for the baby so that they remain diverted throughout the session.

• Get to the vaccination appointment on time and stay calm.

• Varilrix can be given at the same time as Measles containing vaccine. If this is not possible, an interval of minimum a month should be maintained before the measles containing vaccine is given.

During vaccination

• Hold your child firmly on your lap whenever possible during the vaccination.

• Distract your child by cuddling them and engaging them in their favorite toys.

Post Vaccination

• Your child should be observed for an allergic reaction like widespread rashes which may be itchy or blistering, for 15 to 20 minutes after receiving immunization(s).

• Cuddle and comfort your child.

• Use a cool, wet cloth to reduce redness, soreness, and swelling in the place where the shot was given.

• Reduce any fever with a cool sponge bath. If your doctor approves, give pain reliever medicine.

• Give your child lots of liquid. It’s normal for some children to eat less during the 24 hours after getting vaccines.