Chickenpox Vaccination. Prices, Reviews, Ratings
Is there a vaccine against chickenpox?
For a long time, chickenpox was considered a disease that only children under 12 years of age suffer from. However, this is not entirely true. People of any age who have not been ill before or who have not developed strong immunity can catch the virus. And if a child has a relatively mild form of the disease, then with age it becomes much more difficult to bear. As a rule, every third adult has chickenpox complications in the form of severe scars, fever, skin infections or pneumonia. Children also sometimes experience such symptoms.
In order to avoid such reactions of the body, in recent years, vaccination against chickenpox has been carried out in medical institutions. Many people still do not know about its existence, although in many countries the vaccination is included in the list of mandatory ones. In our country, each person decides for himself whether to do it. Some believe that it is better to overcome the infection naturally, others are afraid of the side effects of the injection. However, doctors are increasingly inclined to the need for such vaccination, because you can catch the infection with the slightest contact with a sick person.
What is the name of the chickenpox vaccine
The vaccine does not have any special abbreviation. In the vaccination calendar, it is simply indicated - BO (short for "chickenpox").
The immunization course consists of a single or double administration of the drug (with a break of 6 weeks). And if a single administration does not always give the desired result (immunity develops in 78% of patients), then a double one is more effective.
As a rule, two types of vaccines are used in our country: Varilrix and OkaVax. The drugs have a similar mechanism of action and are interchangeable. That is, if the first vaccination is done with one agent, then the vaccination course can be continued with another. The injection is done subcutaneously, in the deltoid muscle of the shoulder. It is prohibited to administer the drug intravenously.
Chickenpox vaccination for adults
Doctors advise all adults who did not have chickenpox in childhood to get vaccinated. This especially applies to the following people:
- Women planning pregnancy;
- Healthcare workers;
- Preschool workers;
- People with severe chronic diseases of the lungs, kidneys, cardiovascular system;
- People with immunodeficiency.
It is also necessary to get vaccinated after contact with a person infected with chickenpox. However, this must be done no later than 3 days, otherwise the vaccine may not work due to the deep penetration of the virus into the mucous membranes.
Chickenpox vaccination for children
Children can be vaccinated no earlier than two years of age. This is done at the request of the parents and only if the child has not yet had this disease. Moreover, if adults require a double injection, then a single injection of the drug is sufficient for children under 13 years of age.
A child who has been vaccinated will be protected from infection for many years. The probability that he will still become infected after vaccination is less than 1%. In addition, if the drug is administered, severe complications of the disease will be excluded. It is also necessary to vaccinate children in order to minimize the possibility of infection of the older population. Therefore, every year more and more specialists are inclined to the need for such events.
Chickenpox vaccination: contraindications
Vaccination is prohibited in the presence of:
- Allergies or hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- Acute respiratory viral infections, intestinal and infectious diseases;
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- Taking immunoglobulins;
- Acute forms of chronic diseases.
Chickenpox vaccination: side effects
A strong reaction to the injection is rare. Basically, local manifestations such as slight swelling, redness or pain at the injection site can be observed. Such symptoms are considered normal and disappear after a short time. More severe side effects are observed in 5% of those vaccinated. As a rule, these are:
- Muscle and abdominal pain;
- Increased weakness;
- Itching and rash;
- High temperature;
- Diarrhea, vomiting;
- Cough and runny nose;
- Lymphadenopathy.
Post-vaccination chickenpox may also appear, but it is much milder and carries only local symptoms, without infection in the body.
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