Chicken pox, also known as varicella, is a contagious and serious disease in children. The infection arises due to exposure to the varicella virus by coming into contact with an infected person. Coughing or sneezing can also lead to chickenpox as the virus particles can be transmitted through the air.

Someone suffering from this disease might experience 300–500+ blisters spread all over their body. It can also be a life-threatening disease for unvaccinated people. So, people who haven’t had the chicken pox vaccination are prone to suffering at some point in life.

To make you aware of the symptoms and prevention of this highly infectious disease, here’s everything you need to know about chicken pox vaccination for your child.

Why should your child get the chicken pox vaccine?

The severity of the chicken pox vaccine in the unvaccinated population is highest because their bodies are not immune to the disease. However, newborns and infants whose mothers are not vaccinated are also at risk of catching chicken pox. Other than that, it can also affect teenagers and pregnant women with the weak immune system.

Receiving a chickenpox vaccination as a child reduces the likelihood of contracting chickenpox later in life. However, its fatality rate varies because 1 out of 100,000 children under 1–14 years, 6 out of 100,000 cases in teenagers, and 21 out of 100,000 cases are seen.

Still, it’s essential to get the chicken pox vaccine to make sure that you remain immune to it. This is because the disease comes with several uncomfortable symptoms. The worst part is severe itching in all parts of the body.

Symptoms of Chicken Pox

For the unvaccinated population, knowing the symptoms can help in the early identification of the disease. This way, you can take precautions to avoid spreading it to other family members in your home. Some of the moderate to worst symptoms observed in chickenpox disease are:

• Dehydration
• Skin Infection
• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis
• A mild to high fever
• Appetite Loss
• Rashes or fluid-filled blisters.
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Manifestation of the Central Nervous System, etc.

Death is pretty rare in the case of chicken pox, but there are some chances of hospitalization or major complications, which can be avoided with a baby vaccination schedule.

When should a child get the chicken pox vaccine?

Children get two doses of the chicken pox vaccine. The first dose is given at the age of 15 months, and the last one is given between 18 and 21 months of age. Missing any one dose or both requires a catch-up vaccination. If you are concerned about your child’s allergic reaction, see a doctor.

Side Effects of the Chicken Pox Vaccine

Some minor side effects of the chicken pox vaccine go away without doing anything:

• Soreness in the arm
• Moderate fever
• Minor rashes near or around the vaccinated spot.
• mild pain or stiffness in the joints.

In some people, allergic reactions are observed that can be life-threatening. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction include weakness and dizziness in the body. Apart from them, the major consequences of post-vaccination in some rare cases are:

• Fast Heartbeat
• Difficulty in breathing
• Swelling of the face and throat
• Hives, etc.

Who should not get the chicken pox vaccine?

Although chickenpox vaccination is necessary for all, everyone’s body can’t handle it. Some end up having a severe allergic reaction when their body responds to the vaccination.

• Got sick and needed hospitalization post-vaccination.
• Suffering from HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system?
• Taking drugs that directly influence the immune system, like steroids,
• Going through the treatment for cancer
• Recently went through a blood transfusion

Conclusion

The best things in life are worth protecting, and you have taught your children to always be careful. If you want to see him do well without facing chickenpox in his life, get him vaccinated.

We hope you’ll find the information above helpful in deciding on whether chickenpox vaccination is right for you and your child. If you have any questions, please contact a doctor to get guidance on vaccination.