Side Effects to Chicken Pox Booster
Moms View Message Board: Parenting Discussion: Side Effects to Chicken Pox Booster
Has anyone ever experienced their children have a side effect? My DD got her booster on 4/12. The doctor told my DH to watch her for the next 14 days! She woke up Saturday am (the 10th day), looking horrible... pale with red cheeks, fever hoovering constantly between 99 and 101, no appetite and VERY lethargic!
Being the impossible pessimist that I am, part of me "knows" that it's the booster (AND I called the Dr. and described everything... he said "classic. If she doesn't improve drastically by Tues. bring her in!), but another part of me can't believe that it's just going to disappear!
Chicken pox has a booster? I've not heard of that at all. When was her first varicella shot? Was this booster combined with anything?
Ditto everything you wrote even on the 10th day.All three of them got hit with it and it lasted 3 days.{{{BIG HUGS}}}
Yeah, the booster is relatively new, because they've found that the immunity fades over time. I would think that this is, indeed, a typical side-effect reaction to a vaccine and unless her temp goes up, I'd follow the doctor's advice. I would, of course, keep her comfortable, but be sure to follow the doctor's advice on whether you give Tylenol or another fever reducer, because sometimes there are other interactions.
I have to say that, although I am generally a big fan of vaccinations, I still have mixed feelings about the chicken pox vaccine for children. I think adults who haven't had chicken pox need to have the vaccine because, sooner or later, they will be exposed (as happened with my ex when our eldest got chicken pox, and boy was daddy sick - really, really sick), but I am not fully persuaded about it for children except where a child is at some special risk if s/he gets chicken pox.
She got her first varicella at her one year physical and the booster at her five year. This is what I found on the CDC website...
"Immunization Schedule
The varicella vaccine is given by injection between the ages of 12 and 15 months, followed by a booster shot at 4 to 6 years of age for further protection. Older children who have not had chickenpox may also receive the vaccine. Kids 13 years or older who have not had either chickenpox or the vaccine would need two vaccine doses at least 1 month apart.
Possible Risks
Serious reactions are extremely rare. Possible mild effects are tenderness and redness where the shot was given, fever, fatigue, and a varicella-like illness. A rash can occur where the shot was given or elsewhere on the body up to 1 month after the injection. It may last for several days but will disappear on its own without treatment."
I guess what concerned me was that there is no redness or anything on her arm where the shot was given, but definite fever and fatigue! I just talked to my mother, whose home with her today and from the sounds of it, she is somewhat more active than she was yesterday, but still not herself! I guess we'll see what tomorrow morning brings.
Thanks Triplemom... I know it's terrible of me to be "happy" that your kids got the same thing, but it relieves this neuotic mom!!! 
MY dd had the vaccine when she was 1 , I dont' recall her having the booster at all( maybe because like Ginny said the booster is new) she would have been 5 6 years ago she has never had the Chicken Pox. My ds is three, had his vaccine at age 12 months and has been in a few different centers and hanst' had chicken pox either. This is new to me I've never heard of the booster but will look into it.
I know my daughter when she was younger, have had fevers after getting vaccinations sometimes and yes they did just go away. Hope Susanna feels better , keep us posted.
This summer (2006) is when the first real reccomendations have started for the booster. Now children in day care aren't typically exposed like they used to be because most children are vacinated.
Ginny, I have the same feelings as you about the vaccine. I kind of feel like it is a "working parents" vaccine. It is terribly difficult to have a child home for what can be easily 10 days. But I do know there are several people who have had very serious complications. Also if you vac for the pox, the side benefit is you don't ever get them, then you cannot get shingles. So that is a pretty big bonus.
For older people it is my understanding they won't vacinate without running some blood work. Two of my 3 cousins never had pox, but they are immune according to bloodwork, so no reason to vaccinate.
I choose not to for my kids, the all got the pox at ages 18 mo, 3 and 5.
My children both had chicken pox. Emily at 18 mons and Sarah 2 weeks later, at 4. We were holed up for a month, but we got it over with, then. The only thing we really missed was our New Member Sunday, at our new church. We had to have our own ceremony a week later. LOL!
The vaccine was just starting to be used, about that time. I hadn't decided if I was going to give it or not, and then Emily got spots.
It was October 1993.
|
Members
