Why Does the Government Recommend Vaccination for Chickenpox?
Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly-contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It has a wide range of symptoms and effects, ranging from fever and itchy rashes to pneumonia, brain damage, and death.
Prior to introduction of the first chickenpox vaccine in 1995, roughly four million individuals in the United States would contract chickenpox each year. This led to tens of thousands of hospitalizations and 100 to 150 deaths annually. Today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the vaccines available for chickenpox are 98 percent effective, – and childhood and adolescent fatalities are down 97 percent. Due to its effectiveness, the CDC recommends that all individuals receive the chickenpox vaccine.
About Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccination
The chickenpox vaccine is administered in a series of two shots. For young children, the CDC recommends that the first shot be administered between 12 and 15 months of age, with the second shot coming between the ages of four and six. However, the chickenpox vaccine is recommended even earlier for children traveling internationally, as long as it comes at least three months after the initial dose. Older children and adults should receive their shots at least 28 days apart.
Chickenpox Vaccines Used in the United States
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two chickenpox vaccines for use in the United States. These are:
- ProQuad – ProQuad is used to vaccinate against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) in children between 12 months and 12 years of age. Manufactured by Merck, ProQuad received FDA approval in 2005.
- Varivax – Also manufactured by Merck, Varivax received FDA approval in 1995. Varivax is used for vaccination against chickenpox in individuals 12 months of age and older.
What if I Have Experienced Shoulder Pain from a Chickenpox Vaccine?
While the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) asserts that, “[g]etting [the] chickenpox vaccine is much safer than getting chickenpox disease,” like all vaccines, the chickenpox vaccine is not without risk. One of the most significant risks associated with being vaccinated with the chickenpox vaccine is the risk of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (or SIRVA).
If you or a loved one has suffered a shoulder injury after receiving a chickenpox vaccine, you may be entitled to file a claim under the federal government’s National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). To learn more about your rights under the VICP, read: Filing a Lawsuit with the Vaccine Court.
Get Help for Your Chickenpox Vaccine Shoulder Injury | Contact the Vaccine Attorneys at the Center for Vaccine Shoulder Pain Recovery
Seeking compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program requires expertise unrelated to traditional tort litigation. At the Center for Vaccine Shoulder Pain Recovery, we have years of experience successfully pursuing vaccine shoulder injury claims, and we focus exclusively on representing clients in vaccine claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
To get help for how to seek compensation for you or a loved one’s shoulder injury related to a chickenpox vaccine, contact us to schedule a free consultation at the Center for Vaccine Shoulder Pain Recovery today.