Chickenpox, caused by the varicella zoster virus, is extremely contagious and is usually spread through coughing, sneezing, or contact with the blisters of the skin rash. It is generally more severe in teenagers and adults than in children. After the chickenpox infection has healed, the virus can remain dormant in certain areas of the nerve endings. In children with weakened immune systems, this can lead to a painful skin rash and inflammation in the affected nerve area, called shingles (herpes zoster).

The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends 2 doses:

• vaccination for children at ages 11-14 months, either at the same time as the first measles-mumps-rubella vaccination or at least four weeks later

• a second dose should be given at ages 15-23 months. A combination vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (MMRV) can also be used.

The vaccine is well tolerated and side effects are rare. Local reactions may include redness and swelling at the injection site, which resolve after a few days. General symptoms such as fever or tiredness may also occur, but these usually resolve quickly. Severe illness is rare according to STIKO. By getting vaccinated, you can help protect yourself and others from the potentially serious consequences of chickenpox.

Resources:

https://www.rki.de/EN/Content/infections/Vaccination/recommandations/04_23_englisch.pdf?__blob=publicationFile

https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-kinder-0-12-jahre/windpocken-varizellen/