Cost per dose €90.00

We now offer chickenpox (Varicella) vaccination to children aged 14 months or older. Many parents now like their children to be vaccinated against this infection, to help prevent the considerable misery to the child.

HSE recommendations are for two doses at least 1 month apart.

It is a routine vaccine in many countries but not on the childhood vaccine schedule in Ireland yet.

It must be given at least a month after other vaccines, so we recommend giving it a month after your baby has the 12-month and 13-month vaccines, i.e. at 14 months, but can be given any time after this too.

The cost is €90 per vaccine, which is a lot less hassle than the 2 unexpected and possibly unpaid weeks off work you’ll have to take when the creche tell you that they won’t take your child until the infection has passed.

Please contact Erica or Aisling to organise an appointment with the Doctor to administer this vaccine. Please let us know when you are making the appointment that this vaccine is required as we don’t keep it in stock.

What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a common disease of childhood and is caused by exposure to the Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) which is transmitted by direct personal contact or by airborne means. Incubation period is usually 14 to 16 days (range 10-21).

The illness itself is usually mild but it can be associated with more severe complications. VZV remains dormant after chickenpox but can reactivate later resulting in shingles. The risk of this increases with age.

Why vaccinate?

A vaccine is available and is licensed for use in Ireland in children over 1 year and adults. However, vaccination against VZV does not form part of the National Childhood Immunisation Programme (for cost reasons mainly). Many other countries routinely fund vaccination of children against VZV. The cost of vaccination in Carrig Medical Centre is €90 per dose. The three main reasons why parents get their child vaccinated are:

1. To help reduce the chance of you needing 2-3 weeks off work if their creche won’t take them when infected

2. To reduce unnecessary suffering of the child. Complications can include pneumonia, secondary bacterial skin infections and viral meningitis and encephalitis. Fatality Rate: 1/100,000 in children and 25/100,000 in adults

3. To help reduce the chance of shingles in later life which has it’s own complications (e.g. post- herpetic neuralgia)

Vaccination Schedule

 Children can receive the vaccine from 12-14 months of age. It should not be given within one month of any other live vaccines (e.g. MMR, yellow fever).

 Children aged from 1 year to less than 13 years – 2 Doses are recommended, 4 to 8 weeks apart (we recommend your child gets the 12-month and 13-month vaccines as per Irish schedule, then get this one any time after 14 months)

Effectiveness

Vaccine efficacy is estimated to be 70-90% against infection, and 90-100% against moderate or severe disease. Vaccine efficacy is lower (~75%) in those aged >13 years. Immunity in most appears to be long lasting, probably life long. However, approximately 1% of vaccinees per year have developed mild breakthrough infections.

Side effects:

Common: Mild injection site soreness;

Uncommon: Fever and varicella rash (approx. 5 lesions), allergy

Contact Carrig Medical Centre.
We look forward to being of help to you.

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