Chickenpox

Did you know?

Adults are 25 times more likely to die from chickenpox than children.

Nathan's Story

Many people are unaware of how serious chickenpox can actually be. Hear Nathan's story from his Mom about the stroke he suffered after becoming infected with chickenpox disease. (5 min)

Second dose of chickenpox (varicella) vaccine added to routine immunization schedule!

About the vaccine

The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is free and recommended for children as part of their routine immunizations at 12 months of age and at school entry (4-6 years).

A second dose of varicella vaccine is recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, but currently not provided free, for children aged 7 years to 12 years. If your child falls in this age range, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about purchasing a second dose of the vaccine.

It's also free and recommended for adults who have never had chicken pox disease or received the vaccine. If you haven't had the chickenpox vaccine, book an appointment with your public health nurse or doctor.

Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get chickenpox. Minor reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, redness and swelling where the shot was given.

For more information about the vaccine, who should get it, the benefits and possible reactions, visit the Chickenpox healthfile.

If you are a health care provider see the Varicella Q&A under the health care professionals section of the website for more information on the varicella vaccine.

About the disease

  • Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus
  • The average child will have about 350 blisters
  • Chickenpox is spread by coughing and sneezing and is highly contagious. It can also be spread through contact with the fluid from chickenpox blisters
  • Complications include pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and bacterial infections of the skin. Encephalitis can lead to convulsions, deafness or brain damage
  • Chickenpox may be more severe in teenagers and adults
  • About 1 in 5,000 adults will die from the infection
  • More Facts About Chickenpox (44a)
  • News article - Unimmunized Kids Less Likely to Get Chickenpox if Vaccinated After Exposure

Photo courtesy of Centers of Disease Control and Prevention

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