Although this vaccine was just recently approved, in 1995, it has been tested in children for 30 years. If the blisters get infected, he may need antibiotics. They may also leave permanent facial scars. He'll have to stay home from daycare or school for at least a week and sometimes two. And if you work, you'll have to stay home, too, and care for him.
Chicken pox can be serious and even deadly.
The vaccine will protect your child from the worst of this illness. About 20 percent of vaccinated children may still get chicken pox, but will have only very mild symptoms. The vaccine can protect your child from a related disease called shingles. About 20 percent of adults who had chicken pox earlier in life get this rash with extremely painful and disfiguring blisters on the face, chest, or abdomen. The blisters can be inches across.