CHICKEN POX
Dear Dr.Bear,
My 3 month old daughter is going on our family vacation next week, with my sister who has a 12 month old girl who just got her Chicken Pox vaccine this week. Her doctor told her that there is a 1 in 5 possibility that her daughter may experience a mild case of chicken pox in 7 to 10 days after receiving the vaccination which corresponds to the time we will be sharing a house with them at the beach. Should this be a concern for her if her cousin has an outbreak of the chicken pox? Is this a concern if my daughter’s cousin does not have an outbreak? Specifically, how contagious would her cousin be and what are the health risks for her?
Sincerely,
Chicken Pox Concerns
Dear Chicken Pox Concerns,
The risk of getting a rash after the Varicella or chickenpox vaccine is always there for 30 days, but most authorities tell us that the rash is non-contagious. In fact, we do not caution mothers to keep there recently vaccinated children away from non-vaccinated pregnant women although we used to. The 12 month old may also have gotten the MMR vaccine which can cause fever, swollen glands and a measle-like rash between 7 and 12 days, but that is also not contagious. Have a great vacation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bear
