More widespread use of the chickenpox vaccine would prevent people at high risk of the disease “becoming really ill”.
Chickenpox is a contagious infection that causes the sufferer to break out in itchy red spots.
It is most common in children and most recover within a week or two.
Britain’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has advised the NHS that all children should be vaccinated against the disease at 12 months and 18 months.
The report recommends that a free vaccination programme “will help make chickenpox a problem of the past” and bring Britain in line with other developed countries.
Speaking to The Hard Shoulder, Dr Illona Duffy said there is a popular misconception that the disease is “easy” to recover from.
“One in 250 [people who get chicken pox] end up in hospital,” she said.
“That tends to be younger children or older adults who get it later.
“So, therefore it is something that risks with it; it can lead to hospitalisation, it can lead to serious illness and simple things like scarring.
“There are many people out there who have scar marks as a result of the pox lesions that they developed.”
Cost of vaccination
In Ireland, parents can have their children vaccinated for as little as €70 and earlier this year HIQA advised the Department of Health making it free would “likely be cost effective”.
“If we can vaccinate against it, if we can prevent those who are at high risk from becoming really ill from getting the disease and if we can prevent loss of work days and school, why wouldn’t we vaccinate for it?” Dr Duffy said.
“Especially when we know that it works and it’s available in other countries.”
Scientists have also concluded that there is no link between the chickenpox vaccine and a higher chance of contracting shingles - which similarly causes the sufferer to break out in a painful rash.
“There was actually some concern initially when the vaccine came out that those who are vaccinated might have a higher risk of developing shingles, now they’re saying that’s not the cause,” Dr Duffy said.
#Chickenpox is a common infectious disease that mostly affects children under 10.
It can be dangerous for pregnant women and babies, so try to avoid contact with others if you think your child has chickenpox.
Find out how to treat symptoms of chickenpox: https://t.co/HaNjLpgkN2 pic.twitter.com/3XiDs8tXB2— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) May 19, 2023
The HSE advises anyone with chickenpox to avoid contact with other people.
Adults, pregnant women and those with a weak immune system should seek an urgent GP appointment if they think they have chickenpox.
Main image: A two year old boy suffers from Chickenpox. Picture by: Alamy.com
