Chicken pox is a childhood disease characterized by an itchy rash with red, often painful blisters. A fever also accompanies the virus. BabyCenter.com notes that the chicken pox vaccine is effective in preventing the chicken pox virus in 85 percent of people who receive the immunization. Like all vaccines, the chicken pox vaccine does carry the risk of certain side effects, which range from mild to serious. The vaccine consists of two doses and reactions are more common after the first dose.
Injection Site Soreness
Injection site soreness is one of the most frequent side effects experienced by those who receive the vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 percent of children and 33 percent of teens and adults who receive the vaccine will experience injection site soreness.
Fever
Approximately 10 percent of people who receive the chicken pox vaccine will experience a low-grade fever. Dr. Sears notes that a low grade fever is that which measures 99 to 100.9 degrees F.
Rash
The chicken pox vaccine has been known to cause a rash, which may occur up to a month after the vaccine is administered, reports the CDC. One person out of 25 people may experience a rash, which BabyCenter.com describes as 10 chicken pox blisters. The CDC also notes that in rare cases, it is possible for the virus to spread to others when a rash occurs after vaccination.
Seizures
Very rarely, seizures may be a side effect of receiving the chicken pox vaccine. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that one out of 1,000 children who receive the vaccine will experience seizures. The CDC notes that these seizures are the result of a fever.
Other Side Effects
Other side effects which have been reported after receipt of the chicken pox vaccine include pneumonia and low blood counts. Anaphylaxis has also been reported with this vaccine. Anaphylaxis is a very serious allergic reaction. It occurs very suddenly and can be life threatening if not treated properly and immediately.
Member Comments