Infectious Diseases
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
For accurate information, please refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.
Hesperian Health Guides is another excellent resource with factual information and the option to choose languages other than English.
CHICKEN POX
The chickenpox vaccine, also known as varicella vaccine, is available to help prevent chickenpox. As per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is also recommended for people 13 years of age and older without evidence of immunity. The varicella vaccine is given in two doses, separated by at least 28 days. For people who previously received only 1 dose of varicella vaccine, a second dose is necessary to provide evidence of immunity.
As per the AAP, evidence of immunity from chickenpox includes any of the following:
- Documentation of 2 appropriately timed doses of varicella vaccine
- Laboratory evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease
- Chickenpox diagnosed by a health care professional or verification of history of disease
Some persons who have received varicella vaccine may still get chickenpox, but it is usually milder. The rash is less severe (sometimes only a few red bumps that look like insect bites) and there may be no fever in vaccinated individuals with chickenpox. If varicella vaccine is given within three days of exposure to chickenpox, and possibly up to five days after exposure, it may prevent chickenpox or reduce the severity of disease.
Please address this issue with your student's healthcare provider if you are not certain about your student's vaccination or disease status.