There is no evidence to suggest that inhaled steroids pose an increased risk for children exposed to chickenpox. Inhaled steroids reduce asthma symptoms and the need for symptomatic medications, such as oral steroids. Less oral steroids mean less risk for severe chickenpox. Halting prescribed asthma treatment is much more dangerous to the child than the potential risk from chickenpox. Parents of children receiving oral steroids should protect their children by vaccinating them.
Vaccination helps prevent most cases of chickenpox.
The only way to completely prevent chickenpox is to be sure your child avoids contact with children that have been infected by chickenpox. This is not possible because children are most contagious 24-48 hours before their rash appears. The current guidelines recommend that ALL children should receive the vaccine. Even in the rare circumstance your vaccinated child develops chickenpox, the disease should be milder and less likely to have severe complications. When cases of chickenpox are reported at school, find out whether the infected children are in your child's class.