Chickenpox

The Varicella-Zoster vaccine is designed to protect against chickenpox.

Disease and transmission – Caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus, chickenpox is highly contagious. Spread through close contact, and most contagious day before rash appears. The infection is usually milder in children than in adults. Most people will only have chickenpox once to give lifelong immunity.

Symptoms – Itchy rash anywhere on body. Stage 1 -small spots appear, stage 2 spots become itchy fluid-filled blisters, stage three when the spots form a scab. Symptoms can include a high temperature, aches and pains, loss of appetite. Pregnant women, babies or people with a weakened immune system are at particular risk.

Prevention – Most people who have the vaccination will not get chickenpox. If a vaccinated person does get chickenpox, symptoms are milder, with fewer or no blisters and mild or no fever.

Treatment – A person is infectious until all the spots have scabbed over. This is usually five days after spots appear. There is no specific treatment but drinking plenty of fluids, taking paracetamol and remaining cool will help. If itchy then antihistamines can help. Do not take ibuprofen. Seek help urgently from your GP if you are pregnant and exposed to chickenpox.

Vaccination - The chickenpox vaccine is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule in the UK. It is given as two doses, 4-8 weeks apart.