News Release
For Immediate Release: March 2, 2010
Contact Person: Diane Lee, PIO, 301-334-7730
Garrett County Health Department
is Offering Free Chickenpox Vaccine
The Garrett County Health Department is offering a limited supply of chickenpox vaccine free of charge to the general public. Anyone interested in receiving the chickenpox vaccine may call Personal Health at 301-334-7770 or 301-895-3111 to schedule an appointment.
Chickenpox is a common childhood disease. It is usually a mild disease, but may be serious at times, especially in young infants and adults. The chickenpox virus spreads primarily from person to person through the air, or by direct contact with the fluid from the chickenpox blisters. A person who has contracted the disease may experience:
• A rash, itching, fever, and tiredness.
• The chickenpox virus can cause skin infections, scarring, pneumonia, brain damage, or death in more serious cases.
• A person who has had the chickenpox in the past may also develop a painful rash known as shingles in later years.
The Chickenpox vaccine is important to get because most people who get the chickenpox vaccine will not get chickenpox. But if they do, the symptoms are usually milder resulting in fewer blisters and a faster recovery time. The recommended chickenpox vaccine schedule is as follows:
• Children 12 to 15 months of age (one dose of vaccine) and a second dose at age 4-6 for entry into daycare or school. The second dose may be administered at an earlier age as long as the interval between the first and second dose is greater than three months.
• Children who have received only one dose of vaccine and have not had chickenpox infection should receive a second dose. This should be given at least 3 months after the first dose.
• Persons 13 years of age and older who have not had chickenpox and are at high risk for exposure (for example, living in a household with children; teachers; institutional residents and staff; college students; international travelers), or persons who have close contact with those at high risk for complications from chickenpox should receive two doses of vaccine, four to eight weeks apart.
Getting chickenpox vaccine is much safer than getting the chickenpox disease. Most people who get the chickenpox vaccine do not have any problems with it. Reactions are usually more likely after the first dose than after the second dose. The following individuals should ask their doctor before getting the vaccine:
• Those who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of the chickenpox vaccine or to gelatin or the antibiotic, neomycin.
• People who are moderately to severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled.
• Pregnant women should wait until after they have given birth to receive the vaccine.
• Anyone who has a medical condition or is taking medications that affect their immune system should talk with their health care provider first.
• Anyone who has received a transfusion or were given other blood products should also consult with their provider before receiving the chickenpox vaccine.