Preventing Chickenpox

How to prevent chickenpox

In the past, chickenpox parties were quite common. The idea was that a child catching the virus from another child early in life meant they would have immunity to it as a teen or adult, when it can be more severe. However, today this is not recommended, as exposing your child to others with chickenpox is not a guarantee that they will become infected or that they’ll get a mild case of chickenpox.^1,2 In fact, it puts them at risk of severe complications.¹

Immunisation can help prevent chickenpox.¹

In New Zealand there is a vaccine available called Varilrix.³

It can be given as one or two doses but two doses is recommended for the best protection.³ One dose has been shown to be 86-94% effective at protecting against moderate to severe cases³. Two doses have been shown to be 92-97% effective at preventing all chickenpox, and 97-100% effective at preventing moderate to severe chickenpox.²

Children can be vaccinated with Varilrix from the age of 9 months.³

Teenagers and adults who have not had chickenpox can also be vaccinated.³

If you or your child has been exposed to someone with chickenpox, vaccination within 72 hours of exposure can help prevent chickenpox or at least reduce its effect.³

By vaccinating your child with Varilrix you will:^3-6

• Avoid the itchiness and distress suffered with chickenpox
• Avoid long-term scarring which can occur from the blisters
• Avoid having to go to hospital
• Avoid the expense of buying remedies to treat the symptoms
• Avoid having to take time off work to care for your child, or children

To help prevent chickenpox
Vaccinate with Varilrix from 9 months

• Varilrix is a vaccine that can help prevent chickenpox. ¹
• You can purchase it from your doctor.¹
• Varilrix costs approximately $80, depending on practice handling fees. Speak to your doctor or nurse to understand this more⁷
• It is given by injection in the upper arm.³
• The vaccine contains a weakened form of the chickenpox virus that works by causing the body to make its own protection (antibodies) against the infection.
• Varilrix is well-tolerated and can be given to healthy children from the age of 9 months.³
• It can be given at the same time as any other vaccines.³
• Varilrix has been in worldwide use since 1995.¹
• The chickenpox vaccine is known to provide at least 20 years of protection, as that is the length of time so far that vaccinated people have been followed for.⁸ In a situation where chickenpox commonly circulates in the community, it is thought that a person’s immunity will continually be boosted, providing long-term protection after vaccination.⁹

What about side effects?

As with any medicine, side effects are possible.  Experience has shown Varilrix is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.³

• The most common side effects are pain, redness and swelling at the injection site³
• An uncommon side effect is fever over 37.5^◦C which occurs in 0.1-1% of people³
• Another uncommon side effect is a vaccine-related chickenpox rash with a few spots up to 3 weeks after vaccination, occurring in 0.1-1% of people.³

Who should not have the vaccine?

• Women who are currently pregnant. Delay pregnancy until three months after having the vaccine³
• In anyone with a fever over 38°C, vaccination should be postponed. However, a minor infection should not delay the vaccination³
• Anyone with a weakened immune system e.g those with leukaemias or lymphomas or those receiving immunosuppressive treatment e.g. for organ transplant surgery³
• Anyone with a known allergy to any component of the vaccine³

Discuss your expectations with your doctor or practice nurse. They can also help answer any questions or concerns you might have.

Tips for caring for your child after vaccination

After receiving immunisations, there are some things you can do to help your child feel more comfortable:⁹

• Don’t let your child rub the injection site
• Give your child lots of cuddles and lots of fluids
• If you are breastfeeding, give lots of feeds
• An ice pack wrapped well in a dry cloth or better still a cool cloth, can be held over the injection site if it is sore
• If your child gets hot, undressing them down to a single layer, for example a singlet and pants, can help
• Make sure the room is not too hot or too cold.

Is the chickenpox vaccine funded in New Zealand?

Chickenpox vaccination is fully funded in many countries including Australia, Germany, and the United States.^10-12

Although recommended by New Zealand’s Ministry of Health for children aged 12 months to 12 years, chickenpox vaccination in New Zealand is not currently funded.¹ High risk patients will be funded from the 1^st July 2014.¹³

To help prevent chickenpox
Vaccinate with Varilrix from 9 months ³