Chicken pox is a well-known childhood disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. Most children who have chicken pox recover quickly, without any lasting effects. However, in rare cases, there are complications to chicken pox. To try to prevent these complications, a varicella vaccine was introduced in the United States in 1995. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two doses of the chicken pox vaccine are recommended for healthy children between the ages of 12 months and 12 years of age, administered at least three months apart. The vaccine is, however, contraindicated for a few groups of people, such as those who have a severe allergy to any of the components of the vaccine.
Varicella Vaccine's Efficacy
Although no vaccine offers a 100 percent protection, the CDC reports that approximately nine out of 10 of people immunized are protected from varicella. People who receive the vaccine and still get sick often have less severe symptoms and less likely to suffer from complications of chicken pox. The CDC recommends that everyone who qualifies for the vaccine --- meaning healthy children from 12 months to 12 years of age and have no contraindications --- should receive it. Doctors should determine who qualifies for the vaccine.
Components of the Vaccine
The main components of the varicella vaccine available in the United States that may cause allergic reactions are neomycin, which is an antibiotic, or gelatin. According to the CDC, there are no egg proteins, aluminum or thimerosal in this vaccine. People with allergies to these components can safely take the chicken pox vaccine. Another worry some people may have is the change of latex in the packaging of the vaccine. Although some vaccine vials and pre-filled syringes may contain latex, the varicella vaccine vial does not. According to the CDC, the vaccine can safely be administered to people who have a latex allergy.
Anaphylactic Reactions to Vaccines
Although very rare, severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylactic reactions, are possible when receiving any vaccine. According to a study published in "Pediatrics" journal, the risk of having an anaphylactic reaction to a vaccine is 0.65 per million doses administered. Symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction include swelling around the face and mouth, an itchy rash, hives, difficulty breathing, abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. In the case of anaphylactic reactions, symptoms can start minutes to a few hours after exposure to the allergen. Most people with anyaphylactic reactions recover and have no lasting effects. However, in rare cases, this type of reaction can be deadly.
Precautions
Discuss all your allergies, however minimal they may seem, with the person administering your vaccine. Also mention any previous reaction to any vaccine. Visit an allergist to determine exactly what your allergies are. When administering vaccines, doctors and nurses should always be prepared for any reaction. This means always having epinephrine and diphenhydramine hydrochloride on hand. These medications help to counteract anaphylaxis.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Guide to Vaccine Contraindications and Precautions; December 2006
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine Q&A; 2009
- "Pediatrics"; Risk of anaphylaxis after vaccination of children and adolescents; K Bohlke, et al.; October 2003.
