When Should You Get Chicken Pox Vaccine? Turns Out It's Not Just Over 50, Check Here!

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YOGYAKARTA - Chickenpox or herpes zoster is often considered a disease that only attacks the elderly. In fact, the risk can start to appear when the body's resistance decreases, often without us realizing it. Therefore, vaccination is important as a preventive measure.

Unfortunately, many are still confused about when to get chickenpox vaccine and who needs it. Some think the vaccine is only needed if you have ever had chickenpox before. In fact, medical recommendations emphasize preventive measures. So, when and who should get the vaccine? Here's the discussion.

What is Chicken Pox Vaccine?

As reported by the Cleveland Clinic, the chickenpox vaccine is a vaccine given to reduce the risk of getting chickenpox. Chickenpox is a painful rash that can appear decades after exposure to chickenpox. This vaccine can also reduce the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), chronic pain after chickenpox infection.

Currently, the recommended chickenpox vaccine is Shingrix. This vaccine is given in two doses and has been shown to provide stronger protection than previous generation vaccines. Due to its effectiveness, Shingrix has become the main standard for preventing chickenpox.

When Should I Get Chicken Pox Vaccine?

According to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, chickenpox vaccines are recommended for adults aged 50 years and older. The vaccine is given in two doses at intervals of two to six months. This schedule is designed to provide optimal long-term protection.

In addition, chickenpox vaccine is also recommended for people aged 19 years and over with a weak immune system. This condition includes people with certain diseases or those undergoing therapy that lowers immunity.

It is important to know that you are still advised to get vaccinated even if you have had chickenpox. The vaccine helps reduce the likelihood of a relapse later. However, make sure the rash has completely healed before receiving the first injection.

You also still need the vaccine if you have previously received the old chickenpox vaccine, namely Zostavax. The Shingrix vaccine is still recommended because it provides stronger and longer-lasting protection. This is important to reduce the risk of complications in old age.

For those of you who are not sure if you have ever had chickenpox, you should consult a medical professional. Doctors can recommend a titer test, a blood test that measures the presence and amount of certain antibodies you have. The results of this test help determine if you have ever had chickenpox before.

However, chickenpox vaccine is not recommended for people who have ever experienced a severe allergic reaction to this vaccine. In addition, if the test results show that you have never been exposed to the chickenpox virus, the chickenpox vaccine is the right choice. The decision to vaccinate should always be based on medical recommendations.

Side Effects and Vaccination Procedures for Chicken Pox

The smallpox vaccine is given by injection in the upper arm by a health worker. The second dose is usually given two to six months after the first dose. After two complete doses, protection can last at least seven years.

Side effects are usually mild and temporary. Some of them are pain at the injection site, redness, fatigue, headache, fever, or nausea. These symptoms will generally disappear in a few days without special treatment.

Severe allergic reactions are very rare, but still need to be aware of. If you have a rash, facial swelling and throat, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, or rapid heartbeat, seek medical help immediately.

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