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Immunizations For Adults

Never had chickenpox as a child?
You may need a shot now

Chickenpox is a rash and fever caused by the varicella zoster virus. Chickenpox is usually a mild illness in children that lasts about ten days. It can however be a serious disease, especially in adults or people with a weakened immune system. Pregnant women who contract chickenpox may pass it to their unborn babies where it may cause birth defects. Adults who never had chickenpox as children should talk to their doctors about receiving the vaccine. This is especially important for women of childbearing age and people looking after children in schools and day care; people in regular contact with those who may be vulnerable to chickenpox, such as health care workers, should also consider vaccination. Shingles can be a serious complication that may occur years after a person has had chickenpox. If you've never had the disease getting immunized may not only prevent chickenpox, it may prevent shingles later in life

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