If your child hasn’t received the Chickenpox (or Varicella) vaccine, it is something that you should seriously consider. While many of us think that chickenpox is a harmless skin irritation, it can have serious and sometimes fatal complications. 3 in 4 American parents were unaware that death is a complication of chickenpox; 100 people die every year from chickenpox in the U.S. Â
 The chickenpox vaccine was licensed by the FDA in 1995 and is now widely available. As with other vaccines, there can be complications. However, they are usually less severe and less frequent than the problems that may arise with the actual disease itself. Most people who take the vaccine have no side effects. It is much safer to be immunized than it is to contract chickenpox.
Chickenpox is more than a skin irritation.  A common childhood disease, it is usually mild but can be very serious in infants and adults. The chickenpox virus can be transmitted through the air, or by coming in contact with fluids from a chickenpox blister. Infection is characterized by an itching rash of blisters, fatigue and fever. Even years after contracting chickenpox, some people experience a painful rash called shingles. Rare, but serious complications of chickenpox include: severe skin infection and scarring; brain damage; pneumonia; and even death.
 If your child has already had the chickenpox, they are immune to the virus and don’t need to be vaccinated. All other children should be vaccinated (some states require that your child be immunized before they can enter school). Teens/adults over the age of 13 who have not had chickenpox should be vaccinated twice, four to eight weeks apart.
Mild rash, fever and swelling at the injection site are all common side effects of the chickenpox vaccine, and should disappear within a few days. Seizures and pneumonia are extremely rare side effects. Monitor your child and report any unusual symptoms within 48 hours of their vaccination, such as dizziness, wheezing, weakness, hives, high fever or rapid heartbeat.
As with any vaccination, discuss the risks and benefits with your child’s Pediatrician, and keep accurate records of all immunizations.
