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Chickenpox is a disease that we usually get through in childhood. The disease is not very serious, but vaccination against smallpox should be considered due to possible complications. In Poland, smallpox vaccination is on the list of recommended vaccinations. When can you get vaccinated? What is worth remembering?
Chickenpox is a disease that children often have in preschool age. Its course is usually mild, but you never know who will develop serious complications. That’s why doctors recommend parents get vaccinated for smallpox. Unfortunately, complications after smallpox require hospitalization and can be dangerous even for our lives.
Smallpox vaccination – disease characteristics
Chickenpox is an infectious disease. It is caused by the smallpox and shingles virus. Smallpox is very contagious and affects almost everyone who comes into contact with it. Although the disease most often affects children in preschool age, there are cases of the disease in older children and even adults who were not sick in childhood.
Smallpox is usually mild, but the complications have more serious consequences for your health. These are:
- bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues;
- encephalitis;
- neurological complications;
- pneumonia.
The course of smallpox and the risk of complications is much higher in adolescents and adults. Smallpox is also dangerous for pregnant women, newborns and immunocompromised people. Therefore, it is worth considering a smallpox vaccination.
Smallpox vaccination – disease risk
Smallpox is very easy to get infected, which is why most people who have had smallpox have had it before the age of 9. The sick person infects others 1-2 days before the appearance of the rash until the bubbles disappear. A person with scabs is not contagious.
Smallpox vaccination – disease prevention
Vaccination is the only solution if we want to avoid this common disease. Vaccination against smallpox gives lasting protection. The vaccine available in Poland contains a live virus that does not cause disease in healthy children. Its task is to support immunity.
The vaccine is an effective form of protection against smallpox. Smallpox cases after vaccination are rare, and if it does occur, smallpox is mild. If your child has not had smallpox and has not been vaccinated, and has been in contact with a smallpox patient, the child may be vaccinated within 72 hours of the possible infection. Even if a child becomes ill, smallpox is milder.
Smallpox vaccination – safety
Smallpox vaccination is safe and well tolerated. Possible reactions after vaccination include redness and swelling at the injection site. Occasionally there is a brief temporary fever. Some people develop a rash after vaccination and tell their doctor. In such a situation, it is possible to infect other people.
Smallpox vaccination – indications
Smallpox vaccination is recommended for anyone who has not had smallpox. It is free and compulsory until the age of 12 for children who are at risk of developing severe smallpox. The risk group includes:
- patients with leukemia;
- people with immunodeficiency;
- people before immunity-weakening treatment;
- those around people at risk who have not had smallpox.
Vaccination is free and compulsory also for children staying in in care and treatment institutions, family orphanages, or homes for mothers with underage children, etc. Vaccination is also compulsory and free for children attending nurseries or children’s clubs. Children in kindergarten are not eligible for free vaccinations.
Smallpox vaccination – when to vaccinate?
The smallpox vaccine is given as an injection under the skin. They can be performed from the 9th month of life, however, doctors recommend vaccination after the child is 1 year old. The best time is between 12 and 18 months of age.
Vaccination is given in two doses, administered at an interval of at least. 6 weeks, preferably 3 months. After the first dose, the second dose can be given even after the age of 3 months.
The smallpox vaccination can be given together with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination.
Smallpox vaccination – contraindications
Vaccination against smallpox should not be given to a child with severe immunosuppression. The contraindication to the smallpox vaccination is:
- suspicion of severe immunodeficiency,
- suspicion of a malignant tumor of the blood or the lymphatic system;
- taking medications that weaken the immune system.
You should inform your doctor if your child comes into contact with someone at risk or with pregnant women after vaccination. The appearance of a rash requires special precautions.
The child should be completely healthy at the time of vaccination.
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