In the past, almost everyone in the United States could expect to get chickenpox at some point in their lives, usually in childhood. Today, a pediatrician can vaccinate children to prevent them from catching and spreading the disease.

What Is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The disease produces hundreds of itchy, blister-like rashes all over the body, accompanied by fever, headache, coughing, and lethargy. These symptoms typically last for five to 14 days. Chickenpox is extremely contagious: it can be spread by direct contact with the blisters or their fluid and through the air by coughing and sneezing.

How Vaccines Work

Vaccines are made from live, weakened versions of the virus. The virus in the vaccine is not powerful enough to cause the disease, but strong enough to trigger the body’s immune response, so if the person encounters that virus in the future, they will be protected.

For the chickenpox vaccine, a child receives one dose from their pediatrician when they are 12 to 15 months old and a second dose at four to six years old. If parents are worried about potential side effects of vaccines, they should discuss these concerns with their children’s doctor.

Why Kids Should Get the Chickenpox Vaccine

Because children spend so much time in close quarters with each other in day care, school, and extracurricular activities, even one child with the virus can quickly start an outbreak. Vaccinating kids against chickenpox not only reduces illness and missed school work, but also prevents the virus from spreading to the vulnerable unvaccinated. Most states mandate that children have one dose of the chickenpox vaccine to enroll in child care and two doses before starting school.

Consequences of Not Getting the Vaccine

Although most cases of chickenpox run their course without complications, some children experience serious symptoms that require a visit to the pediatrician or even a stay at a children’s hospital. These life-threatening complications include bacterial infections, pneumonia, and bleeding problems. People who don’t get vaccinated against chickenpox as children run the risk of contracting the virus later in life when the symptoms tend to be more severe.

If your child hasn’t been vaccinated for chickenpox, bring them to the Children & Adolescent Clinic PC. With locations in Hastings and Grand Island, NE, they offer quality health care for growing kids, from early childhood vaccines to psychological help for teen depression. Schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at their Hastings office by calling (402) 463-6828 or at their Grand Island location by calling (308) 675-3171. Visit their website to learn more about their services.