The Chicken Pox Vaccine: To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate

A review of the varicella vaccine

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How Safe is This Vaccine?

No very serious side effects have yet been proven. A mild, local reaction at the site of the injection is seen in about 20 percent of recipients and a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit is seen in about 15 percent. Three to four percent of vaccines get a varicella-like rash at the injection site or elsewhere.

This vaccine should not routinely be given to children with weakened immune systems, cancer, those on steroid medications, or those who are pregnant.

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