Questions & Answers about Varicella Vaccination
Q. What is Chickenpox?Q. Do homoeopathic preparations protect against chickenpox?
Q. Should the vaccine be given to a young woman who is or thinks she may be pregnant?
Q. What should I do if I have no records or I cannot remember if my child has already had chickenpox or received varicella vaccine?
Q. Should I give my child a dose of paracetamol before going to school on the day of the clinic?
Q. My child has already had chickenpox as a child – does he/she need to be vaccinated?
Q. Is vaccination compulsory for this campaign?
Q. What can I do if I do not wish my child to be vaccinated at school or if my child missed out on the vaccine at school because of illness or absence on the day the nurses’ visit?
Q. What are the side effects of vaccination?
Q. What is “anaphylaxis”?
Q. Who should not receive varicella vaccine?
Q. Will my child require a booster dose of the vaccine?
Q. How many doses of varicella vaccine does my child need to be vaccinated against chickenpox?
Q. Should my child be vaccinated?
Q. What are the components of the varicella vaccine?
Q. What if my child has asthma and takes cortisone or prednisone by a “puffer”?
Q. Where can I find more information about immunisation?
Q. Will I receive a record of the vaccination that my child received?
Q. What is Chickenpox?
A. Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is usually a mild disease of short duration in healthy children. However, it is more severe in adults and can cause serious and even fatal illness in individuals who are immunosuppressed. 1 in 5,000 patients develop encephalitis and approximately 3 in 100,000 patients die. Infection during pregnancy can result in congenital malformations in the baby.
Q. Do homoeopathic preparations protect against chickenpox?
A. No. There is no evidence that homoeopathic preparations prevent chickenpox disease.
Q. Should the vaccine be given to a young woman who is or thinks she may be pregnant?
A. No. Any young woman who is or thinks she may be pregnant should not be vaccinated.
Q. What should I do if I have no records or I cannot remember if my child has already had chickenpox or received varicella vaccine?
A. Children and adults can be vaccinated with varicella vaccine if there is an unreliable history of chickenpox, or if there is no available evidence of previous vaccination with varicella vaccine.
Q. Should I give my child a dose of paracetamol before going to school on the day of the clinic?
A. No. This is not necessary.
Q. My child has already had chickenpox as a child - does he/she need to be vaccinated?
A. No.Your child does not need to be vaccinated if he/she has already had chickenpox.
Q. Is vaccination compulsory for this campaign?
A. No. Parents/Guardians can choose whether or not to sign the Consent Form and have their child vaccinated. Only those children with a Consent Form completed and signed by a Parent/ Guardian will be vaccinated. All Parents/Guardians are asked to read the information provided and return the signed Consent Form. DO NOT return the consent form if you DO NOT wish your child to be vaccinated.
Q. What can I do if I do not wish my child to be vaccinated at school or if my child missed out on the vaccine at school because of illness or absence on the day the nurses' visit?
A. Whilst your child is in year 7 you can take your child to your GP to receive free varicella vaccine. It is advisable to inform the practice that your child requires varicella vaccination when making the appointment.
Q. What are the side effects of vaccination?
A. Reactions are mild, such as fever (up to 39°C) and pain at the injection site. A 'chickenpox-like rash' (3-5%) may occur 5 to 26 days after vaccination. If a rash develops during the six weeks following vaccination exclusion from school is recommended for the duration of the rash.
Q. What is "anaphylaxis"?
A. "Anaphylaxis" is a severe allergic reaction that may result in unconsciousness and death if not treated quickly. It occurs rarely after vaccination.
The nurses are fully trained in the treatment of anaphylaxis.
Q. Who should not receive varicella vaccine?
A. Varicella vaccine should not be given to:
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Individuals who are pregnant - pregnancy should be avoided for one month after vaccination
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Immunosuppressed individuals i.e.
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Individuals with AIDS
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Individuals who are receiving, or have received, steroid therapy (including high dose oral steroids)and/or immunosuppressive therapy (including radiation) within the past 3 months.
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Those with anaphylactic reaction to any of the vaccine components
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Individuals who have received a blood transfusion / immunoglobulin injection within the past 3 months.
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Individuals who have received a live vaccine in past 4 weeks (eg. BCG (tuberculosis) or yellow fever)
Q. Will my child require a booster dose of the vaccine?
A. Booster doses are currently not recommended.
Q. How many doses of varicella vaccine does my child need to be vaccinated against chickenpox?
A. Children up to 13 years of age require one injection of varicella vaccine for immunity.
Q. Should my child be vaccinated?
A. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends a single dose of varicella vaccine is given to:
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All children aged 18 months, unless they have already received a dose of varicella vaccine or had a clinical history of chickenpox
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Children aged 10-13 years, unless they have already received a dose of varicella vaccine or had a clinical history of chickenpox
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In NSW this vaccine is given to students in the first year of high school
Children who have had chickenpox are considered immune and do not need to be vaccinated.
Q. What are the components of the varicella vaccine?
A. The vaccine contains varicella zoster virus; amino acids; human albumin; lactose; neomycin sulphate; sorbitol and mannitol (additives used to stabilise the vaccine).
Q. What if my child has asthma and takes cortisone or prednisone by a "puffer"?
A. It is safe to vaccinate children with varicella vaccine if they use a "puffer" for asthma.
Q. Where can I find more information about immunisation?
A. The Australian Immunisation Handbook (current Edition) provides detailed information about immunisation. It can be found at www.immunise.health.gov.au
Q. Will I receive a record of the vaccination that my child received?
A. Your child will be given a record of vaccination. It is important that you advise your GP that this vaccination has been given, as universities, colleges, workplaces and other countries often require this information.
Please store this record in a safe place for future reference.
