Chickenpox is a disease caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets, nasal mucus, saliva, sputum, or direct contact with the clear blisters of an infected person.
Fever, body aches, clear blisters… signs of chickenpox
It begins with fever, body aches or sore throat, loss of appetite, followed by small clear blisters appearing all over the body, often accompanied by itching. The rash then crusts over and falls off within about one to two weeks. Generally, chickenpox is a mild disease, but severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis can occur in newborns, adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients.
Chickenpox vaccine
The vaccine is made from a weakened virus. Most people who receive the vaccine do not get the disease. Only a small number may still get chickenpox, but with milder symptoms and fewer complications than those who are unvaccinated.
Who “should” receive the chickenpox vaccine
- Those who have never had chickenpox before
- Children under 13 years old should receive 2 doses: the first at 12-18 months old, and the second at 4-6 years old or at least 3 months after the first dose
- Adolescents and adults aged 13 years and older should receive 2 doses at least 1 month apart
Who “should avoid” receiving the chickenpox vaccine
- Those who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous chickenpox vaccine
- Allergic to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin
- Pregnant women
Those with the following conditions should consult a doctor before vaccination
- Immunocompromised conditions such as HIV infection
- Cancer patients or those undergoing cancer treatment, whether radiation or chemotherapy
- Taking medications that affect the immune system, such as steroids
- Those who have received blood or blood components
- Those who regularly take aspirin
- If you have a fever or acute illness, vaccination should be postponed until recovery. Mild colds without fever are acceptable for vaccination
Possible side effects after receiving the chickenpox vaccine
- May cause severe allergic reactions, although these are very rare
- Common reactions after vaccination include pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and a rash similar to chickenpox but milder and self-resolving
- If there is pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, cold compresses can be applied. For low-grade fever, antipyretics can be taken. If other abnormal symptoms occur, consult a doctor
Note: Precautions before receiving the chickenpox vaccine
- Women who receive the chickenpox vaccine should use contraception for at least 3 months after vaccination
- Nursing mothers should consult a doctor before vaccination
- If in doubt, consult a doctor
