Have a Happy Measle, a Merry Mumps, and a Cheery Chickenpox by Jeanne Bendick

This is due to an increased risk of febrile convulsions in children under four years of age who receive their first dose of MMR as MMRV. The government funds one free dose of chickenpox vaccine and a second dose can be purchased on prescription.Īny person with a reliable history of having had a chickenpox infection is considered immune and does not require the vaccine.īecause of the potential for serious complications from infectious diseases in young children, especially measles, the first dose of the MMR vaccine is given at 12 months of age, without the varicella vaccine. They have fewer skin lesions, a lower fever and recover more quickly. Immunised children who get breakthrough chickenpox generally have a much milder form of the disease. Breakthrough chickenpox occurs when people who are immunised against chickenpox get the disease. Research shows that two doses of chickenpox vaccine in children provides increased protection and reduces the risk of 'breakthrough' chickenpox in children under 14 years of age. Vaccination against chickenpox requires one dose to help protect against serious complications associated with chickenpox and to protect from developing shingles later in life. Vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella requires two doses of vaccine.

Immunisation against these four diseases can be given in the form the MMRV combination vaccine, or the MMR combination vaccine and a single vaccine for chickenpox, depending on your age. The Immunise Australia Program External Link provides immunisations against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).

Have a Happy Measle, a Merry Mumps, and a Cheery Chickenpox by Jeanne Bendick