(VIS) ‘What is chickenpox?’
Doctor Archana Koriala: Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is caused by a highly contagious virus. It spreads from person to person via tiny particles or droplets of fluid by infected people when they cough or sneeze. It can also be caught by touching the blisters of the chickenpox rash.
(VIS) ‘What happens if my child gets chickenpox?’
Doctor Koriala: When your child becomes infected with chickenpox, an itchy red rash will develop across the body and face. These turn into fluid-filled blisters that burst and crust over. There can be between 200 and 500 blisters on their skin, and these can last between 10 days and 3 weeks. While symptoms for children can be mild, chickenpox can be dangerous for babies and pregnant women. If you catch chickenpox while pregnant, your baby could be born with severe chickenpox which can permanently affect the baby's development and growth. We all know that chickenpox can be painful and itchy for anyone that gets it, and that’s why it’s best to vaccinate.
(VIS) ‘What vaccine will protect my child?’
Doctor Koriala: Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from the disease. Children are recommended to receive a combined vaccine at 18 months that protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. This means your child will be protected against more diseases with fewer injections, causing less pain and distress for your child. Under the National Immunisation Program, children should receive the free vaccine at 18 months for the best possible protection.
(VIS) 'How does the vaccine work?’
Doctor Koriala: The vaccine provides immunity to chickenpox to help prevent your child from getting the disease. It contains a weak and safe form of chickenpox virus that trains your child’s immune system to recognise and protect against the infection. While you can still get chickenpox even after receiving the vaccine, it provides 95 to 98% protection against severe complications from the disease. This means that your child may have a milder form of chickenpox and a faster recovery with reduced risk of hospitalisation.
(VIS) ‘What are the common reactions or side effects?’
Doctor Koriala: Your child may experience mild reactions to the vaccine which usually disappear within a few days. Common reactions include redness, swelling and soreness at the injection site, a mild fever and tiredness.
(VIS) ‘What impact has vaccination had on the prevalence of the disease?’
Doctor Koriala: Since children started getting vaccinated against chickenpox in Australia, hospitalisations due to chickenpox have dropped significantly.
(VIS) ‘Where to find more information’
(VIS) ‘Always talk to your health professional if you have any questions about childhood vaccinations. For more information, visit Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation at skai.org.au/childhood’
Learn from Dr Archana Koirala who shares how you can protect your child from chickenpox with free vaccines available under the National Immunisation Program.