Chickenpox Vaccination: Dosage and Pregnancy Considerations

Q: Chickenpox Vaccination: Dosage and Pregnancy Considerations

Recommendation： Since the timing of the MMR vaccination and the interval between it and the varicella vaccine are not specified, we are unable to provide a response. <br>Please consult a nearby obstetrician-gynecologist, pediatrician, or family medicine physician for further guid

Chickenpox issues

I am 24 years old.
I received the first dose of the varicella vaccine in September 2012.
I did not receive the second dose because I got the MMR vaccine in between.
If I go to get the varicella vaccine now (February 2013), do I only need to receive one more dose, or do I need to get two doses? How long should I wait after vaccination before trying to conceive? Thank you.

Ya Bu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/01/23

Dr. Wu Fangcan reply Family Medicine

Recommendation: Since the timing of the MMR vaccination and the interval between it and the varicella vaccine are not specified, we are unable to provide a response.
Please consult a nearby obstetrician-gynecologist, pediatrician, or family medicine physician for further guidance.

Reply Date: 2013/01/23

More Info

When considering the chickenpox (varicella) vaccination, especially in relation to pregnancy, it's important to understand both the vaccination schedule and the implications for pregnancy. The varicella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the virus that causes chickenpox.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the standard vaccination schedule for the varicella vaccine consists of two doses. The first dose is typically administered between 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose is given between 4 to 6 years of age. However, if you received your first dose in September 2012 and did not receive the second dose due to receiving the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, you would still need to receive the second dose to ensure full immunity.
In your case, since you are considering getting the second dose now in February 2013, you should indeed receive just one additional dose of the varicella vaccine. This will complete your vaccination series and provide you with adequate protection against chickenpox.

Regarding pregnancy considerations, it is crucial to avoid becoming pregnant for at least one month after receiving the varicella vaccine. This recommendation is based on the fact that the vaccine contains live attenuated virus, and while the risk of transmission to the fetus is extremely low, it is still a precautionary measure. Therefore, if you are planning to get vaccinated, you should use effective contraception for at least one month following the vaccination.

If you are already pregnant or planning to conceive soon, it is advisable to wait until after your pregnancy to receive the varicella vaccine. The vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy due to the theoretical risk to the fetus, although there is no evidence that the vaccine causes harm if a woman inadvertently receives it while pregnant.

In summary, you should receive one additional dose of the varicella vaccine to complete your vaccination series. After vaccination, it is recommended to avoid pregnancy for at least one month. If you have any further questions or concerns about vaccination and pregnancy, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can provide guidance based on your specific health history and circumstances.

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