The chicken pox vaccine, also known as the varicella vaccine, is a safe and effective vaccine that protects against the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chicken pox. The vaccine is typically given in two doses, with the first dose given at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose given at 4 to 6 years of age.
How Long Does the Vaccine Last?
The chicken pox vaccine is very effective at preventing chicken pox. The vaccine is 95% effective at preventing moderate to severe chicken pox and 100% effective at preventing severe complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
The vaccine’s protection lasts for many years. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that the vaccine was still 93% effective at preventing chicken pox 20 years after the first dose was given.
Who Should Get the Vaccine?
The chicken pox vaccine is recommended for all children in the United States. The vaccine is also recommended for adults who have never had chicken pox or who have not been vaccinated.
What Are the Risks of the Vaccine?
The chicken pox vaccine is a very safe vaccine. The most common side effects are mild, such as pain at the injection site, fever, and rash. Serious side effects are rare.
One rare side effect of the vaccine is the varicella vaccine-associated rash (VVAR). VVAR is a mild rash that typically occurs within 1 to 2 weeks after the vaccine is given. The rash is usually mild and resolves on its own within a few days.
How to Get the Vaccine
The chicken pox vaccine is available from your doctor or local health department. The vaccine is typically given in two doses, with the first dose given at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose given at 4 to 6 years of age.
If You Have Chicken Pox
If you have chicken pox, it is important to stay home from school or work to avoid spreading the virus to others. You should also avoid contact with people who have weakened immune systems, such as infants, pregnant women, and people with cancer.
Treatment for chicken pox is supportive and includes rest, fluids, and pain relievers. In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to help reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Conclusion
The chicken pox vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that protects against chicken pox. The vaccine is recommended for all children in the United States. If you have not been vaccinated against chicken pox, talk to your doctor about getting the vaccine.
**How long does the chicken pox vaccine last?**
The chicken pox vaccine is very effective at preventing chicken pox for many years. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that the vaccine was still 93% effective at preventing chicken pox 20 years after the first dose was given.
**Who should get the chicken pox vaccine?**
The chicken pox vaccine is recommended for all children in the United States. The vaccine is also recommended for adults who have never had chicken pox or who have not been vaccinated.
**What are the risks of the chicken pox vaccine?**
The chicken pox vaccine is a very safe vaccine. The most common side effects are mild, such as pain at the injection site, fever, and rash. Serious side effects are rare.
**How to get the chicken pox vaccine?**
The chicken pox vaccine is available from your doctor or local health department. The vaccine is typically given in two doses, with the first dose given at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose given at 4 to 6 years of age.
| Study | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Pediatrics, 2022 | 93% at preventing chicken pox 20 years after the first dose was given |
| MMWR, 2021 | 95% effective at preventing moderate to severe chicken pox |
| CMAJ, 2020 | 100% effective at preventing severe complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis |
| Side Effect | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Pain at the injection site | Common |
| Fever | Common |
| Rash | Common |
| Varicella vaccine-associated rash (VVAR) | Rare |
| Dose | Age |
|---|---|
| First dose | 12 to 15 months |
| Second dose | 4 to 6 years |
| Person | Reason |
|---|---|
| People with weakened immune systems | The vaccine may not be effective and could cause serious side effects. |
| Pregnant women | The vaccine could harm the fetus. |
| People who have had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its ingredients | The vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction. |
