Kids who are older than 6 but younger than 13 who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine should get the 2 doses given 3 months apart. Kids 13 years or older should get their 2 vaccine doses 1 to 2 months apart. Sometimes the varicella vaccine is given in combination with the vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella , in a vaccine called MMRV. Kids up to 13 years old can get this vaccine. Chickenpox used to be common in the US, causing many hospitalizations and even deaths.
Since the vaccine was introduced in , it has prevented millions of infections every year. It prevents severe illness in almost all kids who are vaccinated. It's also very effective in preventing mild illness. Vaccinated kids who do get chickenpox generally have a mild case. If a person with no immunity to the virus is exposed to someone with chickenpox or shingles, they are likely to get infected because the virus is so contagious.
Giving the vaccine within 3 to 5 days after exposure can help to prevent the infection. The best place to go for vaccinations is your family medical clinic.
Either your doctor or a nurse can give the vaccination. Phone them first to make sure they can help you with the vaccination you need. You can find a clinic near you on the Healthpoint website.
Vaccines on the National Immunisation Schedule are free. Other vaccines are funded only for people at particular risk of disease. You can choose to pay for vaccines that you are not eligible to receive for free. Looking for Where to get medical help A health professional or service Patient portals Newsletters View all. Pain, swelling or redness around the injection site hard and sore to touch.
This is quite common after having the vaccination. It usually starts a few hours after getting the injection and settles within a few days. Place a cold, wet cloth or ice pack where the injection was given. Leave it on for a short time. Do not rub the injection site.
Tell your doctor if troublesome. This is quite common for the first 1 or 2 days after receiving the injection and usually settles within a few days. Dress lightly, with a single layer of clothing. Don't wrap your child in a blanket. Keep the room cool and use a fan. Drink plenty of fluids. Pregnant women. Women should not get pregnant for 3 months following vaccination.
Most people who get chickenpox vaccine have no side effects. In those who do, the most common side effects are pain, redness or swelling at the injection site.
Rarely, vaccines like other medication can cause severe allergic reactions. The risk of chickenpox causing serious harm or death is extremely small. There are fewer risks associated with the chickenpox vaccine that there are with getting chickenpox. If after vaccination, any of the following occur, contact or visit your doctor left away: serious allergic reaction within a few minutes to a few hours difficulty breathing, horseness, wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, fast heart beat, dizziness high fevers, changes in regular behavior, or seizures.
Chickenpox vaccine has recently been licensed for use in Canada. If you are considering vaccination for yourself or your child, discuss vaccine options with your family physician or pediatrician. This website has been made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer Canada Inc.
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