Vaccination against Small Pox and Varicella

Smallpox is an ancient disease caused by variola virus and was officially declared eradicated in 1979. Smallpox has existed for at least 3,000 years and was one of the world’s most feared diseases until it was eradicated by a collaborative global vaccination program led by world health organisation. Early symptoms include high fever and fatigue and it produces a characteristic rash, particularly on the face, arms and legs. The resulting spots get filled with clear fluid and later pus and forms a crust, which eventually dries up and falls off.

There is a vaccine against smallpox and it was a key tool in the eradication of the disease. The vaccine does not contain the Variola virus which causes smallpox but a closely related virus called vaccinia. It is administered in humans for the protection from small pox.

Varicella, also known as “chickenpox”, is an acute and highly contagious disease that spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with characteristic skin lesions of the infected person. It is caused by primary infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Varicella occurs worldwide and affects nearly every person by mid-adulthood if not vaccinated.

The first symptoms of clinical varicella generally appear after a 10-21 day incubation period and include fever, malaise and the characteristic itchy rash. Varicella is generally self-limited and vesicles gradually develop crusts, which disappear over a period of 7-10 days. Individuals remain contagious until all lesions have crusted over.

Vaccination against Chicken Pox

MMRV(combined) or Varicella (single)

• MMRV(Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella) vaccine may be given to children from 1-12 years of age to protect them from these four diseases.
• Two doses of MMRV vaccine are recommended: The first dose at 12 - 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 - 6 years of age
• These are recommended ages. But children can get the second dose any time up to 12 years as long as it is at least 3 months after the first dose.
• Anyone 13 or older should get MMR and varicella vaccines as separate shots. Who have never had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine should get two doses at least 28 days apart.