Ask The Doctor
ERGObaby carrier > Ask The Doctor > Immunizations > Chicken Pox and VaccinationsChicken Pox and Vaccinations
Dear Dr. Markel,
I had my two children who are 4 yrs and 2 yrs old vaccinated for chicken pox. I've been researching the vaccination more now and I believe I made a big mistake. This shot is only 70-85% effective on minor cases. I have a friend who had her children vaccinated and they have gotten chicken pox 2-3 times(minor cases).This shot sounds like it helps you get minor cases of chicken pox many times in your life. I had chicken pox when I was tiny and now I should be immune for life. I don't believe this is the case for my children. There is a booster now required before kindergarten, should I have my children get the booster? Will this prolong there exposure until they are older when it is more dangerous to get chicken pox?
Dear Concerned Parent,
Varicella (chickenpox) is a relatively mild disease, especially compared to other diseases for which vaccines have been developed. The main reason that the varicella vaccine was developed by Merck Laboratories is that if working mothers could keep working instead of taking time off to care for their sick children, businesses would save hundreds of millions of dollars.
The vast majority of children who contract natural varicella recover completely and have lifelong immunity. Children who receive the vaccine, however, have now been found to have immunity that wanes over the next several years. This then leaves the prospect of a future population of adults who were vaccinated but whose immunity has waned enough to leave these individuals susceptible, and so you are correct that it is now required that children get yet a second varicella vaccine before kindergarten.
You have learned innocent children are often exploited for the good of interests such as big business. You will now have to take all of the facts into account to make an informed decision as to how to proceed. Being forced to give your child a second vaccine because it is now apparent that the first is inadequate for immunity is indeed a frustrating predicament.
Susan Markel, M.D.
“peaceful parenting for a peaceful world”
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Dr. Susan Markel, MD, is a Board Certified Pediatrician, and Attachment Parenting Advisor. She is also the author of, "Ask The Doctor," in partnership with ERGObaby.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to visit her website at http://www.AttachmentParentingDoctor.com and request a private consultation.
