Chickenpox
About Chickenpox
Related Content: Varivax | Watch and Learn | Ordering Information
Chickenpox Prevention
The chickenpox vaccine can help prevent chickenpox4. Varicella vaccination is not included as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule2. Vaccination may be considered for any non immune persons aged ≥12 months2. Those who choose to have themselves or their child immunised should consult with their GP2. Two doses of vaccine are needed, at least 4 weeks apart5. The vaccine is not recommended for those who have weak immune systems5.

Chickenpox Treatment
For most children, chickenpox is mild and can be treated at home6. Most children with chickenpox recover after a week of symptoms appearing, without needing to see a GP6. However, sometimes there can be complications, such as skin infections, lung infections and inflammation of the brain, so, it is important to know what to look out for6.
Patient information on chickenpox can be found at www.chickenpoxaware.ie
References:
- https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/child-health/chickenpox-in-babies-and-children/overview-of-chickenpox-in-babies-and-children.html (Accessed October 2021)
- chapter23.pdf (hse.ie) (Accessed October 2021)
- https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/child-health/chickenpox-in-babies-and-children/shingles-and-children.html (Accessed October 2021)
- VARIVAX | SPC | MSD Ireland (Human Health) Limited | Medicines.ie (Accessed October 2021)
- https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/child-health/chickenpox-in-babies-and-children/chickenpox-vaccine.html (Accessed October 2021)
- https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/child-health/chickenpox-in-babies-and-children/treating-chickenpox-in-children.html (Accessed October 2021)