chickenpox vaccine

LisaLisa1980 · November 2013

(please don't kill me for bringing up a vaccine question. eek!)

I've heard of ppl refusing the chickenpox vaccine - what is the reason for this? I mean, I know it's not pleasant to have chickenpox, but is there something controversial about it like the MMR one?

Unknown · November 2013

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spring_time · November 2013

I have heard it is because they do not think chickenpox is that serious (we all survived, right?). Something about building a natural immunity being stronger than a vaccine. I have even heard about people selling suckers over the internet that their chickenpox infected child licked. Parents buy the suckers so their child can be infected to get it over with. Kind of like the chickenpox parties of the 80s.

=Lee=B · November 2013

There was a theory it causes autism. And, like everything there were a few studies that clamed to show this. But, there are even more studies (many more) that shows it doesn't.

Chickenpox isn't serious BECAUSE we were all vaccinated and kept the few that weren't vaccinated safe. The more that don't get vaccinated the LESS SAFE everyone else becomes.

We are vaccinating. I would much rather do my best to protect my child, as research supports and as our medical professionals support and to chance some rare side effect than to not vaccinate and have my child being seriously ill. I also don't want to pay private school fees...which we'd need to do since all public schools require up to date vaccinations for attendance (at least here in Ontario, Canada).

OhSewCrafty · November 2013

Bliss+Berry said:

We will not be refusing this vax. Not only does it protect against chicken pox but it also prevents shingles later in life which can be significantly more painful, dangerous, etc.

This. I've had both chicken pox and shingles and they both SUCK. Yes, the varicella vaccine isn't pleasant, but those two illnesses are worse. We'll definitely be getting the vax.

OhSewCrafty · November 2013

spring_time said:

I have heard it is because they do not think chickenpox is that serious (we all survived, right?). Something about building a natural immunity being stronger than a vaccine. I have even heard about people selling suckers over the internet that their chickenpox infected child licked. Parents buy the suckers so their child can be infected to get it over with. Kind of like the chickenpox parties of the 80s.

This is down right disturbing.

PipSqueak0313 · November 2013

The chicken pox vax was recommended for routine use in the US after my dd had the chicken pox and before my ds1 was born (if I remember correctly). I refused it with ds1 for a while because 1) it was new and not yet mandatory for school and 2) I didn't how long the immunity would last. The last thing I wanted was to give him a vax when he was a young child and have the immunity wear off when he was a teen since I believe the teen years are the worst time to get chicken pox. So I waited until he was around 10 years old and then had him vaccinated.

Now that the vax is not so new, I have no problems with having ds2 get the shot.

Marissa&Brad · February 2014

The thing is, with the chicken pox (or varicella) vaccine, no one knows for sure how long the immunization lasts for. Since the vaccine is still fairly new, no one can for sure verify that it will prevent shingles later, either. People who have been infected "naturally" still also have a chance of developing a second or even third breakout for chicken pox as well as shingles, yes, this is true. However, every body is different. Some people are more susceptible to viruses in general (think of cold sores, herpes, etc.). In order to be able to successfully say that the chicken pox vaccine PREVENTS shingles, it would have to have been around for at LEAST 50-60 yrs(which it hasn't been) in order to be able to show proof that in older people it will prevent shingles.

On THAT note, I'm not willing to subject my son to a vaccine that may or may not have the same immunity as having the actual exposure to the varicella virus. I'd prefer to do it the old fashioned way, as the virus will stay with my child for life. I'm currently pregnant with my second and will do the same for her.

Please don't read into what other people tell you to do. Look up some research on your own, talk to your pediatrician and make an educated decision for yourself. You will hear strong arguments from both sides of the vaccine, so it comes down to a personal preference.

redhead610 · February 2014

The reason people refuse it is because they are not educated on it. Get the vaccine. Chicken pox (and shingles) can be deadly.

trudibell · February 2014

The only vaccines I have ever heard linked to autism were MMR. And that was a falsified study that was thrown out, and the doctor who claimed it lost his license. The CDC is not out to get us, vaccinate your kids. Chicken pox isn't a big deal, but shingles is, and chicken pox in adulthood is really terrible. If there's a way to protect your child from pain, suffering, and potentially death, why not do it?

blush64 · February 2014

Chickenpox can be very serious for children and babies. So can complications from chickenpox.

Parents who purposely infect their children with the virus through a lollipop, chickenpox party etc are acting irresponsibly.

Chickenpox can be a very big deal.

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