Chickenpox
Alternate Names : Varicella
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Chickenpox Prevention
Because chickenpox is airborne and is very contagious before the rash appears, it is difficult to avoid. It is possible to catch chickenpox from someone on a different aisle in the supermarket, who doesn't even know they have chickenpox!
A chickenpox vaccine is part of the routine immunization schedule. It is about 100 percent effective against moderate or severe illness, and 85 or 90 percent effective against mild chickenpox. Parents often express concern that the immunity from the vaccine might not last. The chickenpox vaccine, though, is the only vaccine in the routine schedule that does not require a booster dose.
Talk to your doctor if you think your child might be at high risk for complications and might have been exposed. Immediate preventive measures may be important.
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