Sarah Bennett
Chickenpox, or varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). While it is usually mild, it can cause serious complications in pregnant women, infants under 12 months old, adolescents, adults, and people with weakened immune systems. The chickenpox vaccine, first available in 1995, is a two-dose series of shots that can protect individuals from contracting the virus and reduce the severity of symptoms if they do become infected. However, the question arises: should individuals who have already had chickenpox receive the vaccine? Generally, those with evidence of immunity, such as a history of infection or blood test confirmation, do not require the vaccine. However, healthcare providers may still recommend vaccination based on individual health risks and considerations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| People who should get vaccinated | Children and adults who haven't had chickenpox and haven't been fully vaccinated |
| Number of doses | Two |
| Age for first dose | 12 to 15 months |
| Age for second dose | 48 months to 12 years |
| Effectiveness | 97% effective in the first year, 86% effective in the second year, 81% to 86% effective from the second to eighth year |
| Side effects | Rare but typically mild and disappear within one to two days |
| People who should not get vaccinated | People with impaired humoral immunity, HIV infection, or severe allergies |
| People who may not need to get vaccinated | People born before 1980, people with evidence of immunity (e.g. healthcare provider's verification of previous infection) |
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What You'll Learn
- Vaccination is not needed if a healthcare provider verifies a previous diagnosis
- People born before 1980 may be assumed to have had chickenpox
- The chickenpox vaccine is a two-dose series of shots
- The vaccine lowers the risk of developing shingles later in life
- The vaccine is contraindicated for people with impaired humoral immunity
Vaccination is not needed if a healthcare provider verifies a previous diagnosis
Chickenpox, or varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes an itchy, uncomfortable rash of fluid-filled blisters. The chickenpox vaccine is a two-dose series of shots that protect children and adults from contracting the virus. The first dose is typically given to children between 12 and 15 months old, and the second dose is recommended for school-age children, adolescents, and adults.
If a person has already contracted chickenpox, they do not need to be vaccinated. A healthcare provider can verify a previous diagnosis through a blood test that checks for antibodies, or through an epidemiological link to another typical varicella case or a laboratory-confirmed case. People born before 1980 may be assumed to have had chickenpox, and therefore may not need the vaccine, depending on their overall health.
While the varicella vaccine is generally very safe, it is important to note that it is not recommended for people with impaired humoral immunity or HIV infection. In addition, those who have had an allergic reaction to the vaccine or its ingredients in the past should not receive it again. Side effects, while rare, are typically mild and subside within one to two days.
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People born before 1980 may be assumed to have had chickenpox
Chickenpox, or varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes an itchy rash that looks like tiny blisters and usually starts on the face, stomach, chest, or back. It is spread through the air or by direct contact with an infected person. Before the vaccine became available in 1995, about 11,000 people were hospitalized for chickenpox each year in the US, and about 100 people died.
Chickenpox can lead to severe skin infections, scars, pneumonia, brain damage, and even death. Serious complications are rare but are more common in newborns, pregnant women, people with weak immune systems, and adults in general. Symptoms are usually mild in children but can be life-threatening in adults.
Most US adults have already had chickenpox, and many children have been vaccinated. More than 99% of Americans born before 1980 are assumed to have had chickenpox, even if they don't remember it. This assumption is based on the fact that chickenpox was extremely common before the vaccine was available, and the high likelihood of exposure and infection during that time.
People born before 1980 who have had chickenpox will likely be immune to the disease for the rest of their lives. However, the virus remains inactive in nerve tissue and may reactivate later in life, causing shingles. While rare, a second case of chickenpox can also occur. Blood tests can confirm immunity to chickenpox in people who are unsure if they have had the disease.
It is recommended that individuals born before 1980 who have not had chickenpox or received the vaccine should get vaccinated. The chickenpox vaccine is safe and effective at preventing the disease. It is available for children and adults who haven't had chickenpox and haven't been fully vaccinated.
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The chickenpox vaccine is a two-dose series of shots
Chickenpox, or the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is a highly contagious disease that causes an itchy rash and can sometimes lead to complications. The chickenpox vaccine is a two-dose series of shots that can protect children and adults from contracting the disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for those who haven't had chickenpox and haven't been fully vaccinated.
The two-dose series provides lifelong protection against infection for most people. The first dose is typically given to children between the ages of 12 to 15 months, while the second dose is administered at 4 to 6 years of age. Adults without immunity to chickenpox should receive two doses at least 28 days apart. It is important to note that even after vaccination, there is still a small chance of getting chickenpox, known as breakthrough varicella. However, this infection is usually milder in those who have received two doses of the vaccine.
The two types of chickenpox vaccines approved for use in the U.S. are Varivax® and ProQuad®. Varivax® is a single-antigen vaccine that protects only against chickenpox and is approved for children aged 12 months and older, as well as adults. ProQuad®, on the other hand, is an MMRV vaccine that protects against chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella. It is licensed for children between 12 months and 12 years old.
For children under 48 months old, the CDC recommends two separate shots, Varivax and the MMR vaccine, for the first dose. The second dose can be either two separate shots or a single ProQuad shot. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule and to assess evidence of immunity, as those with a verified history of chickenpox or shingles may not require vaccination.
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The vaccine lowers the risk of developing shingles later in life
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The chickenpox vaccine is a two-dose series of shots that protect children and adults from contracting chickenpox. The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose at 12 to 15 months, and the second dose 2 to 6 months later.
The varicella vaccine lowers the risk of developing shingles later in life. Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in the body and can reactivate years later as shingles. Shingles cause a painful, itchy rash that can appear on the face or body. In rare cases, it can cause pneumonia, hearing problems, brain inflammation, or even death. The risk of developing shingles increases with age.
The Shingrix vaccine is the only shingles vaccine available in the US. It is recommended for anyone aged 50 and older, as well as those 19 and older with weakened immune systems. The vaccine is given in two doses, with the second dose administered 2 to 6 months after the first. Shingrix has been shown to be safe and effective, providing strong protection against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common shingles complication.
While the vaccine may cause side effects such as soreness, nausea, body aches, or fever, these symptoms typically resolve within 2 to 3 days. In rare cases, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a serious nervous system disorder, has been reported after receiving the vaccine. However, the risk of developing GBS is also increased after having shingles.
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The vaccine is contraindicated for people with impaired humoral immunity
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes an itchy rash and can sometimes lead to severe complications. The varicella vaccine is a two-dose series of shots that can protect individuals from chickenpox. The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose at 12 to 15 months, and the second dose should be administered at least 28 days apart from the first.
The varicella vaccine is contraindicated for people with impaired humoral immunity. Humoral immunity refers to the aspect of the immune system composed of antibodies produced by plasma cells. People with impaired humoral immunity may have conditions such as hypogammaglobulinemia or dysgammaglobulinemia, which are characterised by abnormally low levels of certain antibodies in the blood. These individuals may be at an increased risk of adverse reactions to vaccines and may require special considerations before receiving any vaccinations.
In the context of the varicella vaccine, the CDC mentions that persons with impaired humoral immunity may be vaccinated. However, they also typically receive periodic doses of IGIV (intravenous immunoglobulin). To prevent an inadequate response to the varicella vaccine, appropriate spacing must be maintained between the administration of IGIV and the vaccine.
It is important to note that individuals with impaired humoral immunity may require additional precautions or alternative vaccination strategies. Healthcare providers should carefully assess each patient's condition and consider factors such as the presence of other medical conditions, treatments, or medications that could impact their immune system.
Overall, while the varicella vaccine is generally recommended for those without evidence of immunity to varicella, it is contraindicated for people with impaired humoral immunity, and special considerations must be made in such cases.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have had chickenpox before, you usually don't need to get the varicella vaccine. Your healthcare provider may use a blood test to check for antibodies that can tell if you've had the virus. If you were born before 1980, your provider may assume you've had chickenpox and may not recommend the vaccine, depending on your overall health.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that causes an itchy rash and can sometimes lead to complications. The vaccine prevents most people from catching chickenpox and protects against severe illness in those who do get it.
Some people should not get the chickenpox vaccine, or they should wait. Check with your healthcare provider if you:
- Have HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system.
- Are being treated with drugs that affect the immune system for 2 weeks or more.
- Have any kind of cancer.
- Are getting cancer treatment with radiation or drugs.
- Recently had a transfusion or were given other blood products.
- Are pregnant or may be pregnant.
