This protects against chicken pox, which can cause serious complications such as bacterial skin infections, pneumonia and infections of the brain. If your child has not had chicken pox, he child should receive A single dose of the varicella vaccine between the ages of 12 and 18 months. Two doses of the vaccine at least 4 weeks apart, if he or she is older than 13 years of age and has never been immunized. Immunizations are safe and effective Reactions to vaccines may occur, but they are usually mild. Severe reactions to vaccines are very rare.
Children are much more likely to be harmed by serious diseases than by immunizations.
Your pediatrician may recommend acetaminophen for common side effects such as irritability and fever. If you have questions about possible reactions, call your pediatrician. Immunizations are one of the most important ways you can protect your child against serious dis-eases. Much information is available about immu-nizations. Your pediatrician can tell you the facts.