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What is Chickenpox Vaccine?
Chickenpox vaccine, also known as varicella vaccine, is a vaccine that protects against chickenpox. The active ingredient in Chickenpox vaccine is a live but weakened varicella-zoster virus. This specially weakened virus is called the Oka strain. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Its most common symptom is an itchy rash all over the body. It also causes fever and drowsiness. It is contagious and transmitted from person to person through the air, by coughing, sneezing or breathing, and can also be spread by contact with fluid from the blisters. It is given by injection just under the skin.Chickenpox Vaccine Immunization Schedule
After 15months of age- For age below 13 years- One dose
- For age above 13 years- 2 doses at 4-8 weeks interval
Effectiveness
The long-term duration of protection from varicella vaccine is unknown, but there are now persons vaccinated twenty years ago with no evidence of waning immunity, while others have become vulnerable in as few as six years. Assessments of duration of immunity are complicated in an environment where natural disease is still common, which typically leads to an overestimation of effectiveness.Side effects
Mild Problems- Soreness or swelling where the shot was given (about 1 out of 5 children and up to 1 out of 3 adolescents and adults)
- Fever (1 person out of 10, or less)
- Mild rash, up to a month after vaccination (1 person out of 25). It is possible for these people to infect other members of their household, but this is extremely rare.
- Seizure caused by fever (very rare).
- Pneumonia (very rare)