How Vaccination Shields Us from Chickenpox
How Vaccination Shields Us from Chickenpox
Why It Matters
Vaccination against chickenpox is a proven method to prevent the disease and its complications. It offers protection not just for individuals but also for communities.
Contents
- How Vaccination Works
- Community Protection
- The Effectiveness of Two Doses
How Vaccination Works
The varicella vaccine contains a live, weakened strain of the virus that helps your immune system recognize and fight the real virus. This reduces the risk of getting chickenpox and makes any cases that do occur milder.
Community Protection
Vaccination helps create herd immunity, which protects those who can't be vaccinated, like infants and people with certain medical conditions, by reducing the spread of the virus.
The Effectiveness of Two Doses
Studies show that two doses of the vaccine are more effective than one, providing greater protection against chickenpox and longer-lasting immunity.
FAQs
How effective is the chickenpox vaccine?
Two doses are over 90% effective in preventing chickenpox.
What is herd immunity?
It's community protection that occurs when enough people are vaccinated.
Why are two doses recommended?
Two doses provide stronger and longer-lasting protection.
Can everyone get vaccinated?
Not everyone; some medical conditions may prevent vaccination.
The Bottom Line
Vaccination is not just about personal protection; it's about safeguarding the community.
Additional References
- Marin M, Watson TL, Chaves SS, et al. Varicella among adults: data from an active surveillance project, 1995-2005. J Infect Dis 2008; 197 Suppl 2:S94.
- Marin M, Zhang JX, Seward JF. Near elimination of varicella deaths in the US after implementation of the vaccination program. Pediatrics 2011; 128:214.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.