Varicella Vaccine Health Feed

Chickenpox or varicella is a type of viral infection that causes itchy rashes accompanied by tiny fluid-filled blisters. It is highly communicable to those who have not experienced this disease earlier or have not been immunized against it through vaccination. 

The vaccine against chicken pox is a shot protecting anyone, who has already contracted the disease. It is known as the varicella vaccine since chicken pox is triggered by the virus called varicella-zoster. The vaccine is prepared from a living but weakened virus.

Why would you require a chickenpox virus?

1. The risk behind the condition aggravating into something life-threatening is high among adults, infants and people possessing a weak immunity system as they are prone to developing serious complications as well. There is no way you can predict who would be the next prey.
2. The illness is extremely contagious and can get transmitted either through the air while coughing or sneezing or by direct contact especially with the fluid present in the chicken pox blisters. For this reason, you need to stay segregated until and unless all your blisters have dried up or crusted over. The illness may induce itchy rashes all over your body along with fussiness, cough and headaches.
3. The vaccine is recommended for all adults and adolescents who have not been infected by chicken pox ever earlier. A vaccine called MMRV offers combined protection against varicella, rubella, mumps and measles.
4. The vaccine has to be administered in two shots. However, the medicines are not devoid of mild side effects, for instance, swelling in the region where you have been injected alongside mild rashes.

Who should not opt for the vaccine?

1. Pregnant women since the effect of the vaccine on your fetus are yet to be unravelled
2. People who are allergic to neomycin and gelatin ( a gelatin-free varicella vaccine is actually available)
3. People suffering from diseases caused due to a weak immunity system or taking a high dosage of steroids
4. Cancer patients who have to be treated with chemotherapy, drugs and X-rays
5. People who have had a blood transfusion in about five months before receiving the shot.

The immune system is extremely important in an individual's system. A strong immune system helps to combat the invasion of foreign particles and consequently resists the diseases.  Vaccination is such a context becomes imperative as it strengthens an individual's immunity. In vaccination, antigens or germs are given in very small doses. They stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies to fight against that particular infection. Vaccinations are provided to both children to protect them from a number of diseases.  However, different vaccinations are provided at different ages according to the susceptibility to diseases.

Some of the vaccinations that are provided to newborns are:

1. Hepatitis B vaccine: This vaccination is given in order to prevent the child from having Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a liver disease that if persists can lead to liver failure or even liver cancer. This vaccine must be injected immediately after the birth of the baby. The first dose must be followed by administering a second dose within a span of a month or two. 

2. Rotavirus Vaccine (RV): This vaccine, taken orally, prevents the infant from Rotavirus. This virus causes vomiting and diarrhoea in children that often leads to severe dehydration. This vaccine is administered within two to four months of the baby's birth. Sometimes, on a doctor's prescription, a second dose may be necessary for the sixth month. 

3. Acellular Pertussis Vaccine and Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids: This is a combination of various vaccines that protects the child from tetanus and diphtheria. Newborns are extremely prone to diphtheria that causes fatal illness and sometimes even deaths in children. This vaccination thereby, is extremely important and must be administered within two or four months and must be followed up with secondary doses later under the doctor's supervision. 

The current guidelines suggest to take primary vaccination like bcg/ easysix/pentavac/ mmr on priority basis on time
Precaution to b taken is to inform prior to visiting hospital n avoid crowding.
Booster vaccination can b delayed