When did the recommended number of Chicken Pox vaccines change??

[CanBeGrumpy]

I had to take my Ds (12) to the doctor for a minor issue last week, and the doctor says "He needs another chicken pox shot". I said, "He hasn't missed any of his shots" and the doc informs me that the new recommendation is for kids to have 2 chicken pox vaccines. I told the doc that I wasn't interested in getting the 2nd one for my kids until I do a little research. I was never sure of my decision to get the first one, so I certainly am not going to blindly let them get a 2nd one. So, when and why did the recommendation change? And is it the same way in Japan, where they have been using the vaccine longer than us? Have they figure out that kids don't remain protected with one shot, or is this a "just in case" type of thing?

Thanks!!

 

[720L]

I did the same thing. It changed last year because I brought one of my kids in for their checkup and the dr told me about it. I think she said the 2nd shot protects them from getting Shingles when they are an adult?

 

[laughinplace199]

My kids (who are 10 & 8) got the second shot last summer. My 2 yr old has only had the first shot so far. I've read that the protection from the initial vaccine fades over time, so a booster is needed for continued protection.

 

[java]

What I don't understand is that the big risk for chicken pox is in adults. So why are we not just getting the shot later in life?

My 2 oldest actually HAD the chicken pox. My 2 youngest had the shot. Honestly I think having it was better as far as immunization goes. My daughter ended up getting it twice- the first time was very mild- second time more and now they have tested her blood and she is immune? I guess there is a blood test for that?

So I don't understand it either yet.

 

[mickeyboat]

The recommendation must have changed during the past year. My DDs went in for their yearly check-up in June, and both had boosters - they are 8 & 9.

Neither had a problem with the vaccine.

Denae

 

[wdwmom2]

I've read that the protection from the initial vaccine fades over time, so a booster is needed for continued protection.

Exactly

What I don't understand is that the big risk for chicken pox is in adults. So why are we not just getting the shot later in life?

You can get a shot later in life. It is worse in adults because the risk of complications, especially pneumonia, is higher.

My 2 oldest actually HAD the chicken pox. My 2 youngest had the shot. Honestly I think having it was better as far as immunization goes. My daughter ended up getting it twice- the first time was very mild- second time more and now they have tested her blood and she is immune? I guess there is a blood test for that?

You can have titers done

So I don't understand it either yet.

Hope this helps!!