Chickenpox Vaccination for Children
Few people haven't heard of chickenpox, as it's a common disease that some consider harmless. In fact, it's serious—chickenpox can cause dangerous complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis. Fortunately, there's a vaccine that can help prevent the disease, and if that's not possible, vaccination can help prevent serious complications and future infections.
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Chickenpox Vaccination Schedule
In Russia, pediatricians recommend the chickenpox vaccine, even though it is not included in the National Calendar of Mandatory Vaccinations.
The standard vaccination schedule is as follows:
| Age | Dose | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| 1-12 years | 1 | One dose is enough to develop lasting immunity. |
| 13 years and older | 2 | The interval between doses should be 4-8 weeks. |
Why should your child get vaccinated against chickenpox?
Chickenpox vaccination for children provides comprehensive protection, preventing negative scenarios for the development of the disease and making life easier for the whole family.
In addition to the standard benefits of vaccination, there are a number of unique aspects that support the need for the chickenpox vaccine:
- Prevention of severe consequences In some cases, the disease leads to serious consequences, such as disruption of the nervous system or the development of a secondary bacterial infection, requiring hospital treatment
- Prevention of reactivation of the latent virus Even after recovery, the virus continues to exist in nerve cells, threatening a recurrence years later in the form of a severe skin disease called shingles
- Limiting the spread of infection A vaccinated child becomes safe for others, preventing transmission of the pathogen to other children in high-risk groups, including close relatives and preschoolers
- High vaccine tolerance Today's vaccines are based on a weakened virus strain, minimizing the possibility of adverse reactions
- Ensuring family comfort The disease itself is a lengthy process, but vaccination avoids quarantine measures and provides peace of mind for parents
Types of chickenpox vaccines for children
Varilrix
The drug was manufactured in Belgium by GlaxoSmithKline. It contains a viable, weakened version of the Varicella-Zoster virus (Oka). It is used in children from the first year of life.
Dosage:
- Children under 13 years: one injection is sufficient.
- Adolescence and older: two doses are required, approximately one and a half to two months apart.
Durability of results: approximately 98% effectiveness, protective effect lasts for decades.
Special recommendations:
- Concomitant use with other types of injections for prophylaxis is permitted (except for the BCG tuberculosis vaccine).
- Minimal adverse reactions are possible, such as mild irritation at the puncture site and a maximum increase in temperature to subfebrile levels.
This high effectiveness rate, along with the minimal number of possible adverse reactions, makes the drug the optimal choice for preventing chickenpox. smallpox.
OkaVax
The vaccine is manufactured in Japan by Biken. It contains a live, attenuated version of the Oka strain. OkaVax differs from Varilrix not only in its main component but also in its manufacturing technology.
The recommended age range for OkaVax is twelve months. The vaccination regimen requires a single dose, regardless of the patient's age. Efficacy rate: varies between 90-95%.
Specific characteristics:
- The advantage of the drug is its simplified administration regimen: the patient only requires one vaccination.
- It has a low potential for causing a reaction (rarely causes fever).
- Storage conditions ("cold chain") are strictly regulated to maintain the drug's potency.
These features make the vaccine convenient for widespread use, providing reliable protection against chickenpox with minimal impact on the child's health.
General information
Indications and Contraindications for Vaccination
The chickenpox vaccine is recommended for children over two years of age. Artificially acquired immunity is just as effective as natural immunity, so there's no need to wait for contact with a source of infection.
A separate consideration is the situation of an unexpected encounter with an infected person. To minimize the risk of further infection, urgent vaccination is recommended within three days of the potential exposure. It is strictly forbidden to vaccinate in the presence of the following conditions:
- Severe allergic reaction to the drug's ingredients (such as gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin)
- Profound immune system deficiency (caused by HIV infection, AIDS, the use of cytostatics or corticosteroids)
- Pregnancy (vaccination is permitted only at least a quarter before conception)
Vaccination should be temporarily postponed in the following circumstances:
- Acute respiratory infection with fever
- Exacerbation of a chronic disease
- Recent transfusion of blood components or plasma (wait three to six months after such procedures)
Cautious use of the vaccine is permissible subject to an individual approach by a physician In the case of:
- Mild manifestations of rhinitis without signs of hyperthermia
- Accidental contact with a carrier of the active chickenpox virus
Before any medical intervention, a specialist examines the patient and determines the appropriateness of administering the drug.
Questions and Answers
Is it necessary to get vaccinated if chickenpox is considered a mild illness?
What is the best age to vaccinate a child?
Can the chickenpox vaccine be administered with other vaccines?
What should I do if my child develops a fever after a vaccination?
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General information about chickenpox
This pathology is classified as an infectious disease easily spread by aerosol means. It is caused by a type III herpesvirus called varicella-zoster. The disease typically progresses relatively mildly in children, but is accompanied by fever and the gradual development of a rash on the skin.
In certain situations, especially among young infants or immunocompromised patients, the pathology can be aggravated by serious complications, such as respiratory damage and central nervous system diseases. Poor hygiene also increases the risk of bacterial contamination, contributing to the development of secondary purulent skin infections.
The most significant complications that can be prevented by vaccinating children against chickenpox are pneumonia, meningitis, the formation of furuncles, damage to the visual organs and peripheral nervous system, and the development of generalized blood poisoning. Once the virus enters the body, it persists, migrating to clusters of nerve cells (ganglia).
A weakened immune system in adults can subsequently trigger a relapse of the infection, resulting in a painful condition called shingles, accompanied by excruciating pain, nerve damage, and the risk of vision loss. Vaccinating children against chickenpox prevents these serious consequences and significantly reduces the likelihood of adverse outcomes from the infection itself.