Inquiry Regarding Chicken Pox and Vaccinations in Daycare Setting
I am a 32-year-old woman from Canada, fully immunized and without significant medical history or current medications. Now, onto my questions! Recently, our daycare reported a case of chicken pox among the children, all of whom are aged between 12 months and 4 years. Given this age range, it stands to reason that these children should be vaccinated against the virus. My own daughter, who is 3.5 years old, is current with her vaccinations according to Ontario's schedule. However, I'm a bit puzzled about the effectiveness of the chicken pox vaccine. Can vaccinated children, particularly those aged between 1 and 4 in this daycare, still contract chicken pox, or is that considered highly unlikely? Moreover, I have concerns regarding shingles. Is this condition only a risk for individuals who have had chicken pox, or can it also manifest in those who have received the vaccine? For instance, I had chicken pox during my childhood, which puts me at risk for shingles. But what about my daughter? Since she has been vaccinated against chicken pox and hasn’t experienced it herself, does that mean she is not at risk for developing shingles? I am eager to gain a clearer understanding of vaccinations, particularly concerning chicken pox and shingles, as it seems to be quite a complex topic. Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 3:50:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to see your proactive approach to understanding vaccinations and their implications, especially in the context of your daughter's daycare exposure. Here’s a clear breakdown of your concerns regarding chicken pox and shingles:
Main Points:
- Vaccinated Children and Chicken Pox: While the chicken pox vaccine is effective, there's still a small chance vaccinated children can get a milder form of chicken pox if they’re exposed to the virus.
- Risk of Shingles: Shingles can occur in anyone who has had chicken pox, including those who received the chicken pox vaccine, but the risk is lower for vaccinated individuals.
Explanation:
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Chicken Pox Vaccine Effectiveness: The chicken pox (varicella) vaccine is about 90% effective in preventing chicken pox, meaning that while most vaccinated children will not get it, a small number may still contract a mild version of the disease. If your daughter has had her vaccinations as per the Ontario schedule, her likelihood of severe illness is significantly reduced, but she may experience a few spots if she does contract it.
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Shingles: Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox. If someone has had chicken pox (like you), they can develop shingles later in life. However, vaccination against chicken pox provides some protection against developing shingles, even though vaccinated individuals may still be at low risk. Since your daughter has been vaccinated and hasn’t had chicken pox, her risk of developing shingles is considered very low.
Next Steps:
- Monitoring: Keep an eye on your daughter for any signs of chicken pox since she has been exposed. Symptoms to watch for include fever, fatigue, and an itchy rash.
- Communication: Stay informed through the daycare about any further cases and discuss with other parents. Awareness can help you identify risks and encourage any required health measures.
- Stay Educated: If desired, read up on the CDC or WHO resources about vaccinations and chicken pox for comprehensive understanding.
- Peace of Mind: Discuss your concerns about shingles and chicken pox with your healthcare provider if further clarity is needed. They can provide tailored advice based on your family’s health history.
Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further details!
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