Chicken Pox Questions

[CrunchyChristianMama]

I have no intention of giving my DD or subsequent children the chicken pox vaccine. But, I do have some questions about it.

It's supposed to essentially lessen the severity of symptoms, correct? If so, then why do no kids seem to be getting the pox anymore? Is it just that they don't even realize they have it?

If they haven't gotten them and the vaccine wears off as they become adults and they then catch it, isn't that dangerous? I always thought chicken pox as an adult could be really bad.

When I asked my MIL whether my niece (6yo) and nephew (11 yo) had gotten cp yet, she said no, they were vaccinated. I explained that it doesn't prevent the pox, but simply lessens symptoms and she was very confused. Are parents not told this? She's the one that takes them to their dr. appts because she babysits them everyday.

Thanks!

[Gitti]

[QUOTE=Evie's Mama;14164532]

It's supposed to essentially lessen the severity of symptoms, correct?

No one knows since you would have to study many kids getting it without the vaccine and then after the vaccine...

If so, then why do no kids seem to be getting the pox anymore? Is it just that they don't even realize they have it?

The vaccine must be working. And yes, many could be getting immunity without symptoms. My son in law did and we've exposed all three grandchildren several times and none got it, so we are thinking they might be immune already.

If they haven't gotten them and the vaccine wears off as they become adults

cp is a little different from other childhood diseases as in once you get the virus into your body, via vaccine or naturally, it stays in there for life.

I always thought chicken pox as an adult could be really bad.

That agáin depends on the individual. It is not like measles or mumps...

[k9sarchik]

The vaccine will either cause symptoms, or prevent symptoms. But it will not prevent someone from catching wild pox. Wild pox dominates over the vaccine strain.
The vaccine is preventing transmission only. Which is why so many people are getting shingles now.

It's a complicated matter and has screwed up the natural cycle of the disease. You can thank the CDC for that.