Should I get vaccinated?
Chickenpox is common in childhood and causes a very itchy and unpleasant rash.
It’s becoming less common in Australia as more and more parents opt to get their children vaccinated. But, it is still out there. It can be serious for babies, during pregnancy, or for those with compromised immunity.
After having chickenpox, the virus can stay dormant in your nervous system for many years and then cause shingles later on in life.
The chickenpox jab is part of the National Immunisation Program for children, which means it’s free! And the shingles jab is free for certain groups of people.
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How do I get vaccinated?
The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is a single jab and is free for children at 18 months old as part of the National Immunisation Program for kids.
Getting your child vaccinated will also protect them from getting shingles as an adult.
The jab is not usually recommended during pregnancy, or for people who have had a reaction to a previous chickenpox shot or who are immunocompromised. If you’re not sure whether it’s right for you or your child, come and chat with us. We can help you decide.
The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is two doses, given 1–6 months apart, depending on your immune system. This vaccine is for preventing shingles only, not for preventing a first outbreak of chickenpox.
Shingrix is free under the National Immunisation Program for adults over 65 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50 years and other adults with certain immunocompromise conditions.
We can also help you with other vaccinations and health advice, including travel health.
Disease facts
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. It’s very contagious and is a member of the herpes family.
You can catch chickenpox by being close to or touching someone who has it, or through breathing in droplets from someone coughing or from burst blisters.
After having chickenpox, the virus can stay dormant in your nervous system for many years and then cause shingles later on in life. Shingles usually flares up at a time when your immune system is compromised, such as when you’re very stressed or unwell. The risk is highest in more elderly people.
Because chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus, you can also catch chickenpox from someone who is suffering from shingles.
Chickenpox symptoms
Chickenpox symptoms include:
- a very itchy rash that later forms blisters
- fever
- loss of appetite
- tiredness.
It usually lasts for a week or so.
Shingles symptoms
Shingles symptoms include:
- burning, tingling or itching sensations
- sensitivity to light
- headache
- tiredness
- a painful, red bumpy rash, usually on only one side of your body.
The shingles rash usually develops into painful and itchy blisters. It’s common on the face and torso, but not arms or legs. An outbreak usually lasts for a 3 to 5 weeks.
Preventing disease
Your best protection is vaccination and you should also practice good personal hygiene with regular hand washing or sanitising. Also cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
