When to get the chickenpox vaccine?

Written by Han Jian Hua
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Chickenpox primarily affects infants and children, and the target group for chickenpox vaccination is mainly 1-12 years old. During this age period, most children enter preschool or elementary school institutions, and the chickenpox virus is highly contagious, transmittable through droplets and contact. Once one child contracts chickenpox, the surrounding children are almost certain to be infected too. Additionally, since there are currently no effective medications to cure chickenpox, it is best to vaccinate within this age range, namely 1-12 years old. Adults can receive the chickenpox vaccine without age restrictions. The timing can be decided based on individual circumstances, but it is generally recommended to get vaccinated before the onset of the peak season for chickenpox, which is best before the spring and winter seasons.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
56sec home-news-image

Can you get the chickenpox vaccine if you have a cold?

Vaccination is generally required when the baby is healthy, as most vaccines are antigens introduced into the human body to elicit an antibody response from the immune system. If a baby has a cold, it indicates a weaker immune resistance and possible bacterial or viral infection. Vaccinating in such a condition could potentially worsen the cold due to the already compromised immune system and may lead to other side effects such as high fever, rashes, or even other infections. Therefore, it is not recommended to vaccinate while the baby has a cold. It is better to wait a few days until the cold symptoms have completely subsided before vaccinating. Generally, delaying vaccination will not affect the baby and will be rescheduled according to the plan. Thus, it is best not to vaccinate when the baby has a cold.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Symptoms and Treatment of Chickenpox in Children

Chickenpox is an acute, contagious, exanthematous disease caused by varicella-zoster virus infection. Before the rash appears, symptoms such as fever, discomfort, and loss of appetite may occur. The fever typically lasts about one day before the rash emerges. The rash initially appears on the head, face, and trunk with a centripetal distribution. The rash can present as macules, papules, vesicles, and crusts all appearing simultaneously. Rashes can also appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth and the genital area. The treatment for chickenpox involves symptomatic and supportive care, and antiviral medications may be used appropriately to protect the skin and prevent scratching.

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Written by Han Jian Hua
Infectious Disease
53sec home-news-image

When to get the chickenpox vaccine?

Chickenpox primarily affects infants and children, and the target group for chickenpox vaccination is mainly 1-12 years old. During this age period, most children enter preschool or elementary school institutions, and the chickenpox virus is highly contagious, transmittable through droplets and contact. Once one child contracts chickenpox, the surrounding children are almost certain to be infected too. Additionally, since there are currently no effective medications to cure chickenpox, it is best to vaccinate within this age range, namely 1-12 years old. Adults can receive the chickenpox vaccine without age restrictions. The timing can be decided based on individual circumstances, but it is generally recommended to get vaccinated before the onset of the peak season for chickenpox, which is best before the spring and winter seasons.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
37sec home-news-image

The Difference between Urticaria and Chickenpox in Children

When children develop hives, the rash looks like chickenpox, but these two are completely different diseases. With chickenpox, fever usually occurs after the onset of the disease, and the oral mucosa can also be easily damaged. On the other hand, hives typically appear on the limbs, neck, or buttocks, with noticeable itching that becomes more pronounced at night. The difference between hives and chickenpox lies in their differing causes of infection, which also affects where the symptoms manifest. It is advised that parents pay attention to these differences and treat them accordingly to minimize harm.

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Written by Han Jian Hua
Infectious Disease
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Symptoms and Treatment of Chickenpox

The main symptoms of chickenpox include a mild fever and rash, with some patients experiencing headaches, coughs, and other symptoms. Treatment primarily consists of general treatment, antiviral therapy, and treatment of complications.