infections
Chickenpox
Prevention of Chickenpox
Vaccination Sometimes immune globulin The Varicella Vaccine contains weakened, live varicella virus. There are 2 formulations of the vaccine in the United States: Standard two-dose varicella vaccine Combination measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine In the United States, children are routinely vaccinated against varicella-zoster. They are given two doses: one at 12 to 15 months of age, with the second given at 4 to 6 years of age (seeCenters for Disease Control and Prevention: Immunization Schedules). Older children and adults (particularly women of childbearing age and adults with chronic disorders) who have not had chickenpox and have not been vaccinated may also be vaccinated. They are given two doses 4 to 8 weeks apart. Certain people should not be vaccinated: People who had a severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of the vaccine or to a vaccine ingredient People with a weakened immune system, including those taking high doses of corticosteroids Children who takeaspirinregularly People who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant within 1 to 3 months of vaccination People who are more than slightly ill at the time of vaccination Isolation of an infected person helps prevent the spread of infection to people who have not had chickenpox. Children should not return to school and adults should not return to work until the final blisters have crusted. Susceptible people who are at high risk of complications and who have been exposed to someone with chickenpox may be given antibodies against the varicella virus (varicella-zoster immune globulin). These people include Those with leukemia or a weakened immune system without evidence of immunity Pregnant women who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine Newborns whose mother developed chickenpox 5 days before or 2 days after delivery Treatment with varicella-zoster immune globulin may prevent the infection or reduce its severity. If healthy people have been exposed to chickenpox and have not already been vaccinated, vaccination within 3 to 5 days of exposure can help prevent chickenpox or reduce its severity. 