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Chickenpox Vaccine Urged to Prevent Complications Parents who skip the chickenpox vaccine because they consider the disease harmless could be jeopardizing the health of their children. What was once considered a ritual of childhood is a much more dangerous disease today, says Dr. Armando Correa, assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. "Without question, there's been an increase in the mortality and serious complications in chickenpox. The secondary bacterial infections are getting stronger and more resistant to antibiotics," he says. The Centers for Disease Control has reported that in the pre-vaccine era, approximately 4 million cases, with up to 9,000 hospitalizations and 100 deaths per year, were attributed to the disease in the United States. "In most cases, chickenpox is a mild disease. But the secondary infections that result in some children can be life-threatening," Dr. Correa says. Though the vaccine for chickenpox has been available since 1995, national statistics show that less than half of the children under age 3 have been vaccinated. Health officials recommend that all healthy children over 12 months old receive the vaccine. Complications from chickenpox include pneumonia, neurological problems, and secondary bacterial infections, including what is commonly referred to as "flesh-eating bacteria," Dr. Correa says. Chickenpox, a highly contagious disease, is a problem throughout the year, but peaks in early spring. A person who has chickenpox is contagious for up to two days before the rash appears and for up to five days after. The vaccine can help prevent, or at minimum reduce the symptoms, when given within three days of exposure to the disease. Some parents may hesitate to vaccinate their children because of the cost, but Dr. Correa points out many parents can lose up to a week of work to stay home with a child who has the disease. The vaccine is not yet part of universally required vaccinations, but the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended it become a requirement before daycare or school entry. - From Baylor College of Medicine Courtesy of Texas Medical Center News
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