Adolescents and adults who have never had chickenpox can also get the vaccine. The vaccine has proven very effective in preventing severe chickenpox. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that all children be vaccinated with the chickenpox vaccine between 12 and 18 months of age. Sometimes a secondary case of chickenpox does occur. Blood tests can confirm immunity to chickenpox in people who are unsure if they have had the disease.
Complications can occur from chickenpox.
Those most susceptible to severe cases of chickenpox are infants, adults, pregnant women, and people with impaired immune systems. Children with varicella should not be given aspirin because administration of salicylates to children with varicella increases the risk of Reye's syndrome. We regret that we can't answer medical questions via e-mail. This website and all contents copyright MCG Health Care , 2000-2001.