Chicken pox vaccine

ClaudiaStar21 · April 2012

I never had the chicken pox vaccine as a kids (it was new) and had the chicken pox in like 2nd grade. It wasn't a bad case. Just itchy a lot. For some reason I am reluctant to get ds this vaccine. I know chicken pix is much morse for adults so I want ds to either get the vaccine or chicken pox at some point. Does anyone know if they have to keep getting these vaccines throughout their life? If the vaccine is a mild case could they still get it in adulthood?

Im not sure why I'm hesitant to get him this vaccine.

CocoBrynne · April 2012

I think it's a one time vaccine. If they get it it will keep them from getting chicken pox which in turn will prevent a chance of them getting shingles later on. My DH's grandpa just had shingles over Thanksgiving and they are NOT something you want if you can avoid it.

swimiz500 · April 2012

CocoBrynne:
I think it's a one time vaccine. If they get it it will keep them from getting chicken pox which in turn will prevent a chance of them getting shingles later on. My DH's grandpa just had shingles over Thanksgiving and they are NOT something you want if you can avoid it.

I agree. My dad gets shingles, and has for a very long time (he was young when he started, which is pretty rare, but I worry it could be genetic, I have no idea if it is), and they are so awful. I'll definitely be doing it because of the family history.

katie4253 · April 2012

It's a one shot deal. And, while you may have had a mild case, it can be very severe and even fatal. Obviously, it's up to you. But, def. something to think about!

katiewhompus · April 2012

I'm 99% sure we will be doing it. While I would rather DD get chicken pox in a non-vaccine form, I don't want to take the risk that she is never exposed. I'm assuming as more and more infants/children get the vaccine there will be less exposure and more chance of getting it when she's older and it will be more serious.

Pinkpeppers · April 2012

Chicken vaccine is administered a second time between 4-6 years old. It is made using a weakened live virus and thus it is possible to get a mild form of the illness and in very rare cases also spread it to others. It also does not guarantee protection from getting shingles in the future but is said to lower the risk of developing shingles later on. This info and more can be found at the following link https://www.vaccineinformation.org/varicel/qandavax.asp. I've also read elsewhere that adult boosters may be necessary because the vaccine in relatively new and there's no way yet of them knowing how long immunity will last. This is one vaccine that we've decided to hold off on for now and will re-evaluate in another year or so. Hope this can help you make an informed decision and good luck.

AmandaP678 · April 2012

Nick will be getting the vaccine and Timmy already got it.

I got the vaccine when I was 12? because I never had the chicken pox

I agree the shingles aren't fun, my mom had them before

lucylea · April 2012

DD got her first dose and will get the second before kindergarten. DS will get it as well. We have a family history of severe outbreaks of chicken pox, including internal pox, so I will do what I can to avoid that for my kids. My dad also had shingles and was in agony for over a month.

Most vaccines I am very gung ho about, but this is one that for most people I'm more laid back about.

ohdrama09 · April 2012

I got the vaccine and never had it. It was one shot. DD will be getting it. If I can some how help to prevent her being ill, you bet I'll be on it.

boogerbearoriginal · April 2012

The chicken pox vaccine is two shots. Per CDC schedule the second dose is administered between 4-6yrs. Regardless of age, it's always a two dose vaccine.

It is a live virus vaccine so there is a potential to come down with a mild rash and to spread the virus to others without immunity. However, it's quite rare.

This is a vaccine me and my Pedi feel comfortable delaying until LO gets older since chicken pox is a virus that is milder in babies/young children. I won't be actively seeking out infection, a la pox party, but if he hasn't had it by ~10yr we will get him vaccinated.

Five_letter · April 2012

I thought you needed it before kindergarten, no?

boogerbearoriginal · April 2012

Five_letter:
I thought you needed it before kindergarten, no?

Vaccine requirements are made at the State level. Per the CDC's website 36 states and DC require it for school entry. And some states have exemptions for religious opposition, etc.

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