Patrick's family doctor, Rob Howsam, said that while chicken pox is normally a mild disease, it is one of the most contagious. In some cases it can lead to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, putting about 1200 Australians into hospital each year, he said. The vaccination is also available to adults who have not contracted the disease. Dr Howsam said he and his colleagues had vaccinated more than 100 children at their clinic in Reservoir since it became available last year, but the cost put it beyond the reach of many families. Dr Howsam said he treated chicken pox all year round.
Outbreaks come in bursts among children in day care and kindergarten.
Federal Government figures show that about 240,000 cases occur in Australia each year and 75per cent of people have had the disease before they reach 12. A spokeswoman for the federal Health Department said the chicken pox vaccine could be included on the vaccination schedule. It is believed the preferred option is to develop a vaccine that would combine the chicken pox shot with those for measles, mumps and rubella. Government research has shown the more shots that are needed, the less likely parents are to comply with the schedule. A working party is expected to report to the government in April.