Understanding Chickenpox Vaccination

Symptoms of Chickenpo

Chickenpox or varicella is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox is most prevalent in children under 10 years of age. 

It typically takes approximately 10 to 21 days to develop symptoms after being exposed to an infected person. A mild case of chickenpox usually lasts for five to seven days.

The main recognisable symptom of chickenpox is itchy, fluid filled blisters (vesicles) on the infected child’s skin. These vesicular red spots (rash) usually begin on the face and then spread over the body (backside, armpits, groin area, under breasts, or around genitals where there is less clothing coverage for protection).

Chickenpox is contagious from the first day before a rash appears until all sores have crusted over—usually seven days after the first noticeable symptoms. 

Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and headache.

Transmission of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is highly contagious.

• The chickenpox virus mainly spreads by direct contact with an infected person’s skin or mucous membrane (such as the eyes or nose). 
• If a child touches their own mouth or nose whilst infected, then someone else could get it by simply touching the child’s hand.
• Chickenpox infection may also occur from direct contact with a sore from an infected person.
• Infected individuals may also contaminate solid surfaces like televisions, desks, or beds. Generally, the virus can stay alive for about two hours on surfaces like door handles and doorknobs where there has been direct contact with an infected person’s hand.

Complications of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a common childhood disease that usually heals without any complications. In rare cases, however, it may lead to serious complications in babies, pregnant mothers, adolescent and adults and people with weak immune system.

In more severe cases, patients may experience pneumonia, inflammation of the blood vessels, brain swelling, and infections of the bloodstream, bone, or joints.

For adults infected with chickenpox, they may experience more severe symptoms and complications compared to children.

Shingles is also caused by the chickenpox virus. The varicella virus stays inactive in the body after a person recovers from chickenpox. The virus can reactivate many years later causing shingles.

When shingles occurs, the affected individual will experience painful and itchy rash over one side of the face or body. Pain or tingling sensation can be felt at the area where the rashes appear. 

Treatment Options for Chickenpox in Children

If your child has chickenpox, your doctor may prescribe calamine lotion or antihistamines for itch relief, and acetaminophen for fever control. In most cases, healthy children are usually treated with sufficient bed rest, fluid consumption, and control of fever. 

However, aspirin should not be given to children due to the possible subsequent risk of Reye’s Syndrome.

In serious cases, antiviral drugs may be prescribed, depending on the extent of the infection, the patient’s age and health, and the timing of the treatment.

Chickenpox Vaccination

The chickenpox vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against the varicella-zoster virus and its associated complications. 

The chickenpox vaccine is a live attenuated virus vaccine (a disease-producing virus that is modified, or weakened in a lab to produce an organism that delivers immunity in the body without causing illness).

The chickenpox vaccine is given in two doses. The first dose is given between 12 and 15 months of age, usually as a single injection. The second dose can be given within a minimum of three months interval from the first dose.

There is a vaccine which combines both MMR and chickenpox vaccines in one shot; it is called the MMRV (mumps, measles, rubella, varicella) vaccine which can be taken at one year old and above.

Effectiveness and Common Side Effects of the Chickenpox Vaccine

Studies reported the effectiveness of a two-dose varicella vaccine ranges between 84% to 98%.According to the CDC, people vaccinated against chickenpox maintain antibodies for at least 10 to 20 years after childhood vaccination.

The vaccine is highly effective in protecting against chickenpox for people who are not immune to the disease due to previous infection or vaccination. It also helps to reduce the severity of symptoms and associated complications if a person does become infected with the virus, as well as reduce the risk of serious complications. It can also help to reduce the spread of the virus to those who are not vaccinated. 

Therefore, it is important for children to receive the chickenpox vaccine to protect themselves and others from this highly contagious virus. Overall, getting the varicella vaccine is far safer than getting chickenpox disease.

Although extremely rare, some individuals may get infected even after immunisation. However, the illness will be milder than if they had not been vaccinated, and they will recover faster.

The vaccine is safe and effective but may have some minor side effects. The most common side effects are redness or swelling at the injection site, fever, and headache. Some children may have a mild rash that lasts one to two days after receiving the shot.

Inform your doctor if your child had allergic reaction after a previous dose of chickenpox vaccine, or any underlying severe allergies, or if he/she has a weakened immune system or has a parent or sibling with a history of hereditary or congenital immune system problems.

Make an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

If you want to know more about chickenpox vaccination, get in touch with us to book an appointment today for a consultation, or visit our Paediatric Care Department at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.