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The chicken pox vaccination is known to be an effective and well-accepted way to protect against the disease.

Vaccination schedule adapted from IAP* Advisory Committee of Vaccination & Immunization Practices (ACVIP) *Indian Academy of Pediatrics
What should you do if you miss the vaccination?
CATCH-UP VACCINATION

If you miss out the dose of these vaccinations during the stipulated time, you can consult with your doctor for a Catch-up Vaccination.

Did you know?
  • Chickenpox tends to be more severe in infants, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system.
  • Chickenpox could cause complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
Don’t Delay!

Talk to your doctor about the Chickenpox Vaccination.

What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease. It can be serious in babies, teenagers, adults, pregnant women and those with a weak immune system.

It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and leads to a blister-like rash that is itchy. The rash appears on the chest and spreads to the back, the face and finally all over the body. Other symptoms may include fever, appetite loss, tiredness and headache.

How is Chickenpox (Varicella) transmitted?

The virus spreads easily from people with chickenpox to others who have never had the disease or been vaccinated through -

  • Close contact with open blisters
  • An infected person coughing, sneezing, or talking
  • The mother to her unborn child via the placenta
What are the symptoms and complications of Chickenpox (Varicella)?

Symptoms include:

  • Mild to severe fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rash that turns into itchy fluid-filled blisters
  • Blisters eventually turning into scabs

Serious but rare complications of chickenpox include bacterial superinfections, scarring, pneumonia, central nervous system manifestations, bleeding problems.

Complications arising from chickenpox can cause serious sickness in some people and could also lead to hospitalisation. Chickenpox can rarely cause death.

When should a child receive the Chickenpox Vaccination?

Children should get two doses:

  • 1st dose at 15 months
  • 2nd dose between 18 to 21 months

In case someone has missed one or both of the doses, you can always opt for a catch-up vaccination.

However, consult your doctor for more information.

What are the common side effects associated with Chickenpox Vaccination?

The most common side effects are often mild and tend to go away on their own.

Common side effects are:

  • Sore arm from the shot
  • Fever
  • Mild rash where the shot is given
  • Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints

Severe allergic reactions post-vaccination are rare but can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include weakness, dizziness, a fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, and hives.

If such reactions occur, consult your doctor, or get to the nearest hospital.

For more details on side effects, please consult your doctor.

FAQs

What are the consequences of Chickenpox (Varicella) on me and my child?

Chickenpox can lead to significant economic and social burdens such as hospitalisation, doctor visits, medication and distress for the family.

Children with chickenpox can miss an average of 5-6 days of school and parents miss 3-4 days of work to care for their sick child.

How can I protect my child against Chickenpox (Varicella)?

Chickenpox can be prevented by:

  • Vaccination
  • Keeping yourself away from an infected person
  • Regularly washing infected clothes or bedding
What is the ideal age for my baby to get vaccinated with the chickenpox vaccine?

Chickenpox vaccination can be given to children 15 months of age and above. In case the baby has missed vaccination at the recommended time, catch up vaccination can be done up to 18 years of age. Consult your doctor for more information on vaccination against chickenpox.

Who should not get the chickenpox vaccination?
  • Those who have ever had a serious and possibly life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of chickenpox vaccination or any specific component of the vaccination.
  • Those who are sick at the time of chickenpox vaccination.
  • Please inquire with a doctor if the receiver:
  1. Has HIV/AIDS or any other disease that affects their immune system
  2. Is being treated with drugs that impact the immune system, such as steroids, for 2 weeks or longer
  3. Has any kind of cancer
  4. Is undergoing cancer treatment with drugs or radiation
  5. Recently had a transfusion or was given other blood products
  • Pregnant Women and women who are planning* a baby.

*Varicella vaccination needs to be taken 3 months before planning the pregnancy.

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A public awareness initiative by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited. Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 030, India.

Information appearing in this material is for general awareness only. Nothing contained in this material constitutes medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any medical queries, any question or concern you may have regarding your condition. The disease list indicated for vaccination is not complete, please consult your child’s Paediatrician for the complete vaccination schedule. The doctor shown in this material is being used for illustrative purpose only and is a professional model. The disease representation icons/images and animation are for illustrative purpose only.

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THIS WEBSITE IS ONLY FOR RESIDENTS OF INDIA.
A public awareness initiative by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 030, India. Information appearing in this material is for general awareness only. Nothing contained in this material constitutes medical advice. Please consult your doctor for medical advice or any question or concern you may have regarding your condition. Please consult your doctor/child’s Paediatrician for the complete list of vaccine-preventable diseases and the complete vaccination schedule for each disease. The doctor, if any, shown in this material is for illustration purpose only and is a professional model. All scientific information is validated, for details write to us on askus@gsk.com.
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