Because we’ve received some questions from our readers, we wanted to give you a little more info regarding the new chickenpox recommendations.
The Centers for Disease Control and their advisory committee onimmunization practices (ACIP) recommended on June 29, 2006 that the chickenpox vaccine should be a series of two doses instead of just one.The reason? About 1 in 5 kids who get vaccinated will still be susceptible to a mild case of chickenpox. A two-dose series provides better protection. The first dose is given at 12-15 months of age. The second dose will be routinely given at the 4-6 year old well check, along withother booster vaccinations. And, any child over six years of age who has already gotten the first dose needs a second “catch-up” dose (unless he has had the disease). The CDC has posted these recommendations on their website this month.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has not made their official recommendations yet, but their recommendations are coming soon. Many doctors have already begun giving the chickenpox booster based on theCDC’s recommendations.
Because we’ve received some questions from our readers, we wanted to give you a little more info regarding the new chickenpox recommendations.
The Centers for Disease Control and their advisory committee onimmunization practices (ACIP) recommended on June 29, 2006 that the chickenpox vaccine should be a series of two doses instead of just one.The reason? About 1 in 5 kids who get vaccinated will still be susceptible to a mild case of chickenpox. A two-dose series provides better protection. The first dose is given at 12-15 months of age. The second dose will be routinely given at the 4-6 year old well check, along withother booster vaccinations. And, any child over six years of age who has already gotten the first dose needs a second “catch-up” dose (unless he has had the disease). The CDC has posted these recommendations on their website this month.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has not made their official recommendations yet, but their recommendations are coming soon. Many doctors have already begun giving the chickenpox booster based on theCDC’s recommendations.