Who Should Consider Getting the Chickenpox Vaccine?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that causes an itchy rash with blisters. It is common in childhood, with about 90% of unvaccinated children getting infected before adolescence. While chickenpox is usually mild in children, it can be more severe and lead to complications in some groups. Here is an overview of who may want to consider getting the chickenpox vaccine.

Adults Who Never Had Chickenpox

Chickenpox tends to be more severe in adolescents and adults compared to children. Adults are at higher risk of developing pneumonia as a complication. The healing time for chickenpox lesions also tends to be longer in adults.

For these reasons, adults who never had chickenpox should consider getting vaccinated. This includes women of childbearing age, as chickenpox during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Immigrants from tropical areas are another high-risk group, as chickenpox is less common in hot climates.

People with Compromised Immune Systems

Those with weakened immune systems are at risk of severe chickenpox. This includes:

• People with HIV/AIDS
• Patients undergoing chemotherapy
• Those taking high-dose steroids
• Organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive drugs

For these individuals, a bout of chickenpox can be devastating or even life-threatening. Vaccination provides crucial protection by building immunity without causing actual infection.

Healthcare Workers

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals can easily get exposed to chickenpox. They should get vaccinated to avoid passing the infection to high-risk patients like newborns, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.

Parents of Young Children

Parents are frequently exposed to childhood infections like chickenpox when their kids get sick. Getting vaccinated reduces their chances of contracting and spreading chickenpox to their children. It also protects the parents themselves from more severe disease.

People Living in Close Quarters

Chickenpox spreads through close contact and respiratory droplets. Outbreaks are common in crowded settings like university dorms, military barracks, shelters, and prisons. Residents of these facilities can benefit from chickenpox vaccination.

International Travellers

In temperate countries, most people get chickenpox in childhood. But in the tropics, the disease is less prevalent. International travellers from tropical areas visiting temperate regions are at risk of catching chickenpox and developing serious symptoms. Vaccination is recommended, especially if staying long-term.

The Chickenpox Vaccine

The chickenpox vaccine contains a live but weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus. It is given in two doses, with the second dose recommended between ages 4-6. The vaccine is over 90% effective at preventing infection and 100% effective at preventing moderate to severe disease.

Side effects are usually mild, including soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site, and possibly a low-grade fever. More serious side effects are very rare. People with weakened immune systems may not respond as well to vaccination. Still, some protection is better than none.

Talk to your healthcare provider about whether chickenpox vaccination is recommended for you or your family based on your situation. While usually mild, a bout of chickenpox can occasionally lead to severe outcomes, especially in high-risk groups. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to build immunity and avoid these risks.