$Unique_ID{BRK00013}
$Pretitle{Infections and Parasites}
$Title{Chicken Pox Vaccine}
$Subject{chicken pox vaccination child care}
$Volume{A-20, Q-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Chicken Pox Vaccine


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QUESTION:  I've heard that scientists have developed a vaccine for chicken
pox.  When I asked my daughter's pediatrician about it, he said he wasn't in
favor of using it.  Why wouldn't he want to prevent such a common childhood
disease?  Should I find a doctor who will give her the vaccine?

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ANSWER:  Your daughter's doctor's decision is a sound one.  In healthy
children, chicken pox is normally a mild disease.  It rarely causes serious
side effects other than the typical fever and discomfort caused by the chicken
pox rash.  Once a child gets chicken pox, they can't get it again.  But if
someone doesn't get chicken pox as a child, they can come down with it as an
adult--and the effects can be far more serious.
     Adults with chicken pox may come down with viral pneumonia.  Pregnant
women may infect their unborn children, causing brain damage, mental
retardation, or even miscarriage.
     Right now, it's not known how long the vaccination will prevent a person
from getting chicken pox.  Extensive studies will have to be done to determine
the long-term effectiveness of the vaccine.  Right now, the vaccine is being
used on children who have serious health problems which compromise their
immune systems.  This includes children with AIDS or leukemia or some other
serious disease.
     Assuming that your little girl is otherwise healthy, there is no reason
for her to get this vaccine.  If she comes down with chicken pox, she will be
uncomfortable for a few days, and you'll likely lose several days of work
staying home to care for her.  But usually, the disease is mild, and the
immunity it provides is life long.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
