What is chickenpox?
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Chickenpox is a common disease of childhood caused by a virus that is
very easily passed from person to person.
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Chickenpox usually causes 250-500 itchy blisters; it also causes fever
and tiredness, and usually lasts 4-5 days
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Anyone who has not had chickenpox may be at risk
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Can chickenpox really be serious?
Each year in the United States before 1995:
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An average Of 4 million people (90% children and adolescents <15
years of age), got chickenpox
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Nearly 11,ooo people (80% children and adolescents (15 years of
age) were hospitalized-that's an estimated 24 children and adolescents each
day.
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100 people (40% children and adolescents <15 years of age who did not
have high-risk conditions for severe chickenpox) died.
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Approximately 2% of people who got chickenpox experience at least one of the
following complications:
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Bacterial skin infections that can lead to scars.
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Lung infections (pneumonia)
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Swelling of the brain (encephalitis)
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Dizziness and loss of balance
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Ear infections
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Chickenpox also means lost time from work
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When children have chickenpox, they can spread the disease to other
susceptible people until all the sores scab over.
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They are contagious and must stay home from school or daycare, usually
for 4-5 days.
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What is VARIVAX?
VARIVAX is a vaccine that can help protect your child against chickenpox.
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VARIVAX is a weakened form of the chickenpox virus
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The vaccine works by tricking the body into thinking it has chickenpox!
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The body then makes antibodies (which are part of the body's defense
system) that can help protect against chickenpox.
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In clinical studies, most people who received VARIVAX were completely
protected against chickenpox (some people who were vaccinated had a milder
form of the disease)
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VARIVAX may not prevent chickenpox in all those vaccinated with it.
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VARIVAX should not be given to infants younger than 12 months of age.
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Who can receive VARIVAX, and when?
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Appropriate people who are 12 months of age and older, who have
never had chickenpox, can receive VARIVAXI.
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Some people should not receive this vaccine, including those who:
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are allergic to any ingredient of the vaccine (your doctor has a list of
the ingredients of VARIVAX).
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have a fever.
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have active, untreated tuberculosis.
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have any abnormality of the blood or immune system.
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have leukemia or any type of tumor or cancer affecting the bone marrow
or lymph systems.
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have H IV infection, or have had a blood transfusion within the past 5
months.
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What are the possible side effects of VARIVAX?
Some common side effects of VARIVAX include:
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Pain, redness, or swelling where the vaccine was given.
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Overall body rash or rash where the vaccine was given.
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Fever
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As with any vaccine, VARIVAX could have other side effects that have not
yet been observed.
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For a complete list of possible side effects of VARIVAX, please talk to
your doctor.
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Who recommends VARIVAX'?
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of
Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that all
appropriate children receive chickenpox vaccine"
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VARIVAX has been routinely given to many patients in the United States
over the past 5 years.
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An increasing number of states require that susceptible children,
receive the chickenpox vaccine before they go to daycare or school.
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If you child has never had chickenpox, ask your doctor about VARIVAX.
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