Chickenpox vaccine for adults

Many consider chickenpox (or more simply, chickenpox) to be a non-serious illness that most people endure in childhood. But the virus that causes this disease is insidious. It can make itself felt at any moment, provoking shingles. If, in childhood, a person did not have chickenpox, then infection with this infection in adulthood threatens with a severe course and complications, up to chickenpox encephalitis. Although the risk is low, it is there and it is worth considering vaccination – get the chickenpox vaccine for adults.

In the world, there are two options for the chickenpox vaccine for adults. For those who did not carry the infection in childhood, this is a vaccine against the infection itself. It creates immunity against the virus, preventing you from catching chickenpox. But there is also a vaccine against herpes zoster, it is needed for those who have had an infection in childhood and are a carrier of the virus. In old age or against the background of a decrease in immunity in various severe pathologies, the herpes virus can make itself felt – its extremely unpleasant form manifests itself – shingles. It is excruciating and painful, lasts for several weeks, and can leave behind serious consequences in the form of postherpetic neuralgia.

What is windmill

Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the herpes virus type XNUMX or Variocella Zoster. When the virus enters the body for the first time, a pronounced general reaction of the body occurs with high fever, general malaise, signs of a cold, and rashes all over the body in the form of rounded plaques with grouped bubbles. But after the completion of the first attack of the virus, it does not leave the body, but is sent for long-term storage to the region of the nerve ganglia (plexuses), inside which, under the control of the immune system, it can be stored for decades without making itself felt.

Against the background of a sharp suppression of the immune system (with cancer, immunosuppressive therapy, severe systemic diseases, in old age, when a baggage of chronic diseases has been accumulated), the virus can awaken, provoking another form of infection – shingles. These are bubble type rashes along the nerve trunks in the chest, back, which hurt and itch.

If the primary infection occurs against the background of a decrease in immunity, the infection threatens with serious complications – hepatitis, meningitis, encephalitis or pneumonia.

Which adults should be vaccinated against chickenpox and when?

People who have had chickenpox as children no longer need to be vaccinated against chickenpox. They receive lifelong immunity against re-infection. Therefore, vaccination against chickenpox is indicated only for those who did not have this disease in childhood or adolescence. This is important because chickenpox is much more severe for them, the risk of complications is 50% or more higher.

Vaccination is especially recommended for the following groups of patients.

Women who are planning a child and have not had chickenpox. When infected during pregnancy, there is a high risk of miscarriage or intrauterine infection in the fetus, which threatens him with disability. It is important to get vaccinated at least three months before conception.

If exposed to chickenpox-infected people during the first 3 days, the vaccine may protect against the infection or its severe course.

Vaccination is important for adults who have not had chickenpox, but often come into contact with children and adolescents (doctors, educators, teachers).

Shown inoculation to the military.

People who care for elderly family members with frequent shingles.

After vaccination, stable immunity is formed for 20-30 years, which prevents infection with a dangerous disease. If infection does occur, the infection is mild and uncomplicated. In the Russian Federation, chickenpox vaccinations have been used since 2008, but they are not included in the list of mandatory, they are carried out at will and for payment.

What are the chickenpox vaccines for adults?

Today, only two types of varicella vaccine are officially registered in our country, both of them are imported. They contain live, attenuated chickenpox viruses that effectively and safely prevent chickenpox infection. Each vaccine has its own characteristics, which you should be aware of before choosing a drug for vaccination.

Okavax (manufactured in Japan). To date, the vaccine has expired its certificate of validity, so it is temporarily not vaccinated. This is the most studied drug in the world, creates effective immunity for 20 years.

Varilrix (manufactured in Belgium) was registered in 2008, is used for children and adults, the drug is safe and effective for creating reliable immunity to chickenpox.

Where can I get the chickenpox vaccine for adults?

– Since the vaccination is not officially included in the mandatory list, it is usually done voluntarily, in private medical centers for a fee. According to epidemiological indications, it can be carried out free of charge for certain risk groups.

Reviews of doctors about the chickenpox vaccine for adults

Therapist, endoscopist, head of the organizational and methodological office Lidia Golubenko:

– A feature of vaccinating adults against chickenpox is that their immunity is formed somewhat weaker than in children. Therefore, they are recommended to carry out two injections of the drug with an interval of 2-3 months in order to form a strong immunity. But this is true only for the Varilrix vaccine. With regard to the second vaccine, it is not yet used, since the drug has not yet been re-registered.

Doctor-neurologist of the highest category Evgeny Mosin:

– In the practice of a neurologist, we often encounter the consequences of chickenpox – postherpetic neuralgia or (although very rarely) with chickenpox encephalitis. These are serious conditions that can significantly harm the patient. Therefore, it is worth protecting yourself from infection with a dangerous virus – get vaccinated against chickenpox. But it is important to choose the right time for this, to be completely healthy. During epidemics and especially pandemics, routine vaccinations may be temporarily canceled until the situation stabilizes.

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