Ask the expert: Can kids still get chicken pox?

Q: A friend of mine is concerned because her child was exposed to chicken pox. Can babies and children still get chicken pox? A concerned parent Thriving checked in with Dr. Susan Laster, a pediatrician in private practice in Brookline, MA, affiliated with Boston Children’s Hospital, to learn more about children and chicken pox. Can children still get chicken pox? Contrary to popular belief, kids can still get chicken pox. While it is usually not a serious illness, there can be some serious consequences, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children be vaccinated against chicken pox at 12 months of age and again at least 3 months later. Rarely, a vaccinated child will get chicken pox, although when that happens the disease is usually less serious. My child wasn’t vaccinated and has been exposed to chicken pox. What should I do? If your child has been exposed to someone with chicken pox, the best thing to do is to check with your pediatrician. In some situations, there are ways to prevent the likelihood of getting the illness after being exposed. Some data suggest unvaccinated children 12 months of age or older who are exposed to chicken pox may be helped by getting the chicken pox vaccine within 3-5 days of the exposure in two possible ways: It might lessen the likelihood of developing chicken pox. If the child ends up getting chicken pox it will be a less severe case. In other situations, anti-viral medication can prevent chicken pox after ex...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Diseases & conditions Q&A chicken pox Dr. Susan Laster Source Type: news