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If a blood test indicated you were exposed to chickenpox but you didn't know you had is it safe and should you get the vaccine if it is a live vaccine?
If you're referring to chickenpox vaccine, the answer is no: if your blood test indicates that you've been exposed to chickenpox, you don't need the vaccine.
If you're referring to shingles vaccine, each person with advice from their health care professional must make these decisions for themselves. I have had shingles and can say I don't want to experience that again. The problem with the shingles vaccination is that it costs quite a bit and many insurance plans will not cover it. Talk to your insurance to find out in advance if it will be covered and if not, shop around for best prices, some places can charge $100 or more.
From all indications, in a normal healthy adult, shingles vaccines are safe and you do not need to worry about catching shingles from the vaccine, even if it is made with a live virus. Vaccinations using live viruses do usually have specific ages, and some medical conditions, for which the type is not recommended. But if you do not fall into one of those groups, the viruses have been weakened (attenuated) to prevent them from being capable of causing infection in appropriate patients.
Essentially, for the healthy adult, they are considered effective and safe, but costly.
What else can I help you with?
Should a child get a second chickenpox vaccine if he developed shingles a few years after the initial vaccine for chickenpox was given?
Current recommendations are for two doses of chickenpox vaccine, regardless of the history of chickenpox or shingles.
Can chickenpox vaccine kill you?
There have been few deaths occurring shortly after chickenpox vaccine and reported to the CDC's vaccine complication reporting service. The deaths found to be associated with chickenpox vaccine are typically in patients who were immunocompromised and should not have received the vaccine.
Should you get chickenpox vaccine?
You should get it, when you find it easily affordable.
If you are vaccinated against chickenpox can you still get shingles?
No, there is no reason to get chickenpox vaccine if you've had shingles. You should talk with your health care provider about shingles vaccine.
Who should get the chickenpox vaccine?
Children: In some cases, children who have not had chickenpox may be offered the vaccine. Adults: Adults who are at risk, such as those who have never had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated, may also be advised to get vaccinated. Pregnant women: It is recommended that women who are planning to become pregnant should ensure they have had the chickenpox vaccine or have immunity before pregnancy, as chickenpox during pregnancy can cause complications. Contact : +44 0118 996 4203
Is a 78 year old person at risk mixing with someone with chickenpox?
If the older adult has had chickenpox or the vaccine, there is no additional risk from exposure to chickenpox. If not, the person should avoid contact with the chickenpox patient.
How can you relieve the side effects of chickenpox vaccine?
Acetaminophen should be enough to help with any low-grade fever or soreness from chickenpox vaccine. If it does not, contact your health care provider for advice specific to your situation.
How long should a patient on chemo avoid someone who had chickenpox vaccine?
Normally, a patient on chemo doesn't need to avoid someone who had chickenpox vaccine. Talk with your health care provider for advice specific to your situation.
Should a 50 year old that has never had chickenpox get the vaccine?
A fifty year old who does not recall a history of chickenpox should be vaccinated for chickenpox or for shingles. Contact your health care provider for advice specific to your situation. Some insurance companies will not pay for shingles vaccine until age 60; otherwise, that would normally be your first choice.
Should you get shingles vaccine when you have shingles?
Yes, shingles vaccine is recommended for patients 60 and over whether they remember having chickenpox or not (see related link). You still could get shingles even if you don't remember having chickenpox.
Your granddaughter has chickenpox when is it safe to go visit her as you work with elderly and vulnerable people?
If you work with elderly and vulnerable people, you should have demonstrated immunity to chickenpox by having it in the past or by having two doses of chickenpox vaccine. If that is the case, there is no risk in visiting your granddaughter.
What if you got the second chickenpox vaccine less than three months after the first?
If you're thirteen or over, there is no harm in getting the second chickenpox vaccine as little as four weeks after the first. If you're under thirteen, you should repeat the second dose, as you should wait at least three months until the second dose.
