I received the varicella vaccine last week. To date, no problems due to the chicken pox vaccine have been seen in infants whose mothers received the vaccine in pregnancy. However, more studies are needed before this vaccine is felt to be safe to use in pregnancy. I am pregnant and have never had chicken pox. The vaccine uses a live but weakened chicken pox virus.
Some people get a rash after they get the vaccine.
Only when this rash is present is there a chance to infect someone else. These people then develop a mild case of chicken pox. To date, no cases of chicken pox have occurred after exposure to healthy children who have received the varicella vaccine. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that pregnancy in a mother or other household member is not felt to be a reason to avoid giving a child the vaccine. If you have any additional questions or for more information regarding OTIS , contact the Teratology Information Service in your area.