Let's learn about the vaccine that protects against chickenpox? (Varicella Vaccine)

Are you worried that your little one will get chickenpox? Or are you someone who hasn't had chickenpox yet? Chickenpox is a disease that can be very mild for some, but can be serious for others. It is especially dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. So the best and scientifically proven way to protect yourself from it is the chickenpox vaccine. Today, we'll talk about this vaccine to find answers to all your questions, very simply, like talking to a friend.

What is the Varicella Vaccine?

Simply put, this is a vaccine that trains our body's defense system, the immune system, against the virus that causes chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster Virus). Imagine that we have an army inside us. What this vaccine does is introduce the enemy called the chickenpox virus to this army in advance. But it introduces the animal by greatly weakening it . So, without getting sick, the army in our body can recognize this enemy and make weapons (antibodies) to fight it. Then, if the real, strong chickenpox virus enters the body someday, our army will be prepared in advance and will defeat it and prevent the disease from occurring.

This vaccine is usually given in two doses. The first dose is given between 12-15 months of age, and the second dose (booster dose) is given between 4-6 years of age.

Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated

Before getting this vaccine, it's very important to talk openly with your doctor about your or your child's health. These are especially important things to mention.

• Weakened immune system: Tell your doctor if you have a disease that weakens your immune system, such as HIV, or if you are taking immunosuppressants, as this can make it more likely that even a weakened virus will affect your body.
• Cancer: If you are undergoing treatment for cancer (chemotherapy, radiation), you should inform your doctor about this as it weakens the immune system.
• Fever or infection: If you have an infection such as a fever or cold on the day of the vaccination, the vaccination is usually postponed until the illness has subsided.
• Tuberculosis: Tell your doctor if you have tuberculosis or are being treated for it.
• Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant: This vaccine is not recommended if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon . Also, you should avoid getting pregnant for at least 3 months after getting the vaccine. This is very important for the safety of the unborn baby.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are breastfeeding your baby, tell your doctor about that as well.
• Previous Allergies: Be sure to mention if you have had a severe allergy to this vaccine before, or to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin.

Side effects that may occur after vaccination

Like any vaccine, the chickenpox vaccine can cause minor side effects. But most of these are not serious and will subside within a day or two. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.

If these minor side effects persist or if they worry you, never be afraid to talk to your doctor.

Can I infect others after getting vaccinated?

This is a question that many people ask. Yes, there is a very small chance that something like that could happen. Because the vaccine contains a weakened live virus. Especially if the person who gets the vaccine gets chickenpox-like blisters, those blisters can spread the disease to someone else (someone with a very low immune system).

Therefore, it is best to be a little careful when interacting with these people for 6 weeks after getting vaccinated:

• People with very low immunity (e.g., those undergoing cancer treatment).
• Pregnant mothers who have not had chickenpox before.
• Newborn babies born to mothers who have not had chickenpox before.

Other medications that may interact with this vaccine (Drug Interactions)

Some medications you are taking may affect the effectiveness of this vaccine. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, traditional medicines, and even herbal remedies.

Be especially careful about these:

• Medications that suppress the immune system: Anti-cancer drugs, steroids such as `(Prednisone)` or `(Cortisone)`.
• Aspirin: Aspirin should be avoided in children and adolescents receiving the chickenpox vaccine, as it can cause a serious condition called Reye's syndrome.
• Blood or Immunoglobulin: If you have recently had a blood transfusion or been given a treatment called immunoglobulin, you may need to postpone the vaccination for a while.

This vaccine is given by a doctor or trained health professional, so it is not something to take home. Also, the risk of an overdose is very low. If you suspect this, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .

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