Chickenpox vaccination: how it protects and who needs to be vaccinated
Chickenpox remains one of the most common infections in Russia. According to Rospotrebnadzor, the proportion of children among the cases is 94.8%, but adults have become 28% more likely to get chickenpox. Vaccination can prevent the disease or significantly ease its course. About who needs to be vaccinated against chickenpox and when — in the Izvestia article.
Who should be vaccinated against chickenpox
Vaccination is recommended for children starting from 12 months of age. It is optimal to get vaccinated before attending kindergarten or school, where the risk of infection increases significantly. Infants from 9 months of age are vaccinated according to special indications.
Adults who have not had chickenpox in childhood or do not remember it are also indicated for vaccination. Protection is especially important for those who are planning pregnancy, working in medical or educational institutions. However, it happens that he did not suffer from chickenpox, but antibodies to the disease were developed. In this case, you can first check for the presence of antibodies — you need to donate blood from a vein for the analysis "Determination of IgG to varicella-zoster virus".
The vaccine is also given to those who have been in contact with the patient. Emergency prevention is carried out within 72-96 hours after communication with the patient. The introduction of a vaccine can prevent the development of the disease or significantly alleviate the symptoms.
Contraindications to chickenpox vaccination
Vaccination is postponed in acute infectious diseases until full recovery. Elevated body temperature, acute respiratory viral infections, intestinal infections, and exacerbation of chronic diseases are temporary limitations.
Severe immunodeficiency conditions, including AIDS and severe HIV infection, are absolute contraindications. Pregnancy is also on the list of strict prohibitions due to the use of live attenuated vaccine. People with severe allergies to the components of the drug, including gelatin or neomycin, are not vaccinated.
Patients who are being treated with antiviral drugs should stop taking it a day before vaccination.
Also, the group with contraindications includes those who have diseases of the nervous system, have recently had surgery or are preparing for surgery, or have cancer.
It is important to remember that it is better to discuss all contraindications with a doctor.
When to get vaccinated against chickenpox
The standard immunization schedule provides for a double injection of the drug. Children from 12 months of age and adults are recommended to get a second injection 6-12 weeks after the first one.
An emergency scheme is used in contact with a patient — a single injection in the first three days after communicating with an infected person. A second dose is not necessary in this case.
The vaccine is compatible with most vaccinations in the national calendar, with the exception of the tuberculosis vaccine.
How is chickenpox vaccination tolerated?
Most vaccinated people do not experience significant discomfort after vaccination. In the first days, a local reaction may occur: slight redness, swelling or thickening in the injection area. These phenomena go away on their own within 1-2 days and do not require treatment.
Common reactions develop from 5 to 21 days after injection and include fever up to 37.5-38 degrees, weakness, decreased appetite, drowsiness. Some patients develop a mild rash resembling chickenpox, but it disappears quickly, without consequences.
With the introduction of the second dose, the intensity of side effects does not increase. Serious complications are extremely rare — much less common than with the disease itself.
How to prepare for chickenpox vaccination
No special preparation is required before vaccination. It is enough to lead a habitual lifestyle, eat well and get enough sleep. A week before the procedure, it is advisable to avoid contact with sick people.
Before the introduction of the vaccine, the doctor conducts a mandatory examination, measures the temperature, and collects information about past illnesses and allergic reactions. Blood or urine tests are prescribed only if there are special indications.
After vaccination, doctors advise to adhere to a gentle regime: to give up intense physical exertion, visits to the bath or sauna. It is not recommended to wet the injection site in the first hours after the procedure.
Does the chickenpox vaccine help
The effectiveness of chickenpox vaccination reaches 97% within the first year after administration of the drug. In the second year, protection remains at 86%. Even 2-8 years after immunization, 81-86% of those vaccinated still have reliable protection against the disease.
If a vaccinated person does get chickenpox, the infection is mild without serious complications. The number of rashes is much lower, the temperature is low, and the recovery period is shorter. This is especially important for adults who have more severe chickenpox than children.
Vaccination reduces the risk of developing dangerous complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and bacterial skin infections. The disease can even lead to death.
On October 13, Roszdravnadzor assured that the drug for the prevention of chickenpox is being steadily introduced into civil circulation.
"Since the beginning of the year, more than 357 thousand packages have been introduced, which is 30% higher than in the whole of 2024. The remaining vaccines in circulation, according to the drug labeling system, amount to 231 thousand packages," Roszdravnadzor said in a statement.
The ministry stressed that vaccination against chickenpox is not included and, contrary to information published in a number of media outlets and telegram channels, it has never been included in the national calendar of preventive vaccinations. At the same time, vaccination is included in the calendar of preventive vaccinations according to epidemiological indications, so the decision to vaccinate, including in risk groups, is made by the regions.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
