Yes, you can catch chickenpox (varicella) after having the chickenpox vaccination. We know this because currently Little I has chicken pox, despite being vaccinated against it two years ago.
It took me a few days to realise this wasn't a normal bout of hives and even our GP didn't believe it was possible and said it was some kind of skin infection. But our paediatrician at the hospital has confirmed it is in fact chickenpox and explained that you can still catch chickenpox after being vaccinated. In fact this is the case for all vaccinations. Nothing is 100% effective.
Plus we have recently discovered Little I has a weak immune system. Which means her body may not be reacting to vaccinations the way it should. Distinctly worrying. After all they get vaccinated against much scarier things than chicken pox...
The good news is if you have been vaccinated against chickenpox but still catch it you are more likely to experience a weaker version of the virus. And that certainly seems to be the case with Little I whose spots seem to be fading away rather than blistering and crusting.
Phew! As her sister has a particularly horrific bout of it which is the reason why we paid to have Little I immunised in the first place!
So we are in full chicken pox quarantine mode at the moment. Luckily I stashed away some of the Easter themed craft kits from our last Baker Ross delivery so we've had lots to keep ourselves busy with.
And if your little one does catch chickenpox remember not to give ibuprofen as that can make the spots worse and increase the chances of infection. Even if your GP tells you it is ok please stick to infant paracetamol as ibuprofen can cause complications - visit the NHS website here to see the advice about avoid ibuprofen during chicken pox.
It took me a few days to realise this wasn't a normal bout of hives and even our GP didn't believe it was possible and said it was some kind of skin infection. But our paediatrician at the hospital has confirmed it is in fact chickenpox and explained that you can still catch chickenpox after being vaccinated. In fact this is the case for all vaccinations. Nothing is 100% effective.
Plus we have recently discovered Little I has a weak immune system. Which means her body may not be reacting to vaccinations the way it should. Distinctly worrying. After all they get vaccinated against much scarier things than chicken pox...
The good news is if you have been vaccinated against chickenpox but still catch it you are more likely to experience a weaker version of the virus. And that certainly seems to be the case with Little I whose spots seem to be fading away rather than blistering and crusting.
Phew! As her sister has a particularly horrific bout of it which is the reason why we paid to have Little I immunised in the first place!
So we are in full chicken pox quarantine mode at the moment. Luckily I stashed away some of the Easter themed craft kits from our last Baker Ross delivery so we've had lots to keep ourselves busy with.
And if your little one does catch chickenpox remember not to give ibuprofen as that can make the spots worse and increase the chances of infection. Even if your GP tells you it is ok please stick to infant paracetamol as ibuprofen can cause complications - visit the NHS website here to see the advice about avoid ibuprofen during chicken pox.
I am not a medical professional and this is not qualified advice. I am speaking from personal experience only. Always seek professional medical advice if you or your child is unwell.
