Chicken Pox Vaccination Side Effects

Chicken pox is an infectious disease that occurs most often in children. It results in uncomfortable symptoms such as fever, lethargy and itchy blisters. The chicken pox vaccine was introduced in 1995 and since then the number of people infected has plummeted. As with all vaccines, there is a risk of side effects, some of which are mild and others of which are more serious.

Tenderness at the Injection Site

• The most common side effect of the chicken pox vaccine is slight redness, pain and swelling at the site of the injection. This affects approximately one in every five children and one in every three adolescents and adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fever

• About one in every 10 people will experience a fever soon after receiving the chicken pox vaccination. The fever is generally low-grade and can be relieved with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Rash

• Approximately one in every 25 people who receive the injection will experience a rash. It may appear anywhere on the body and does not resemble actual chicken pox blisters. The rash can occur on the day of the vaccination or up to one month later. It is usually mild and short-lived.

Less Frequent Side Effects

• Other more serious side effects include pneumonia, seizures and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction that causes many symptoms including vomiting, shortness of breath and confusion. Anyone experiencing these side effects should seek medical treatment immediately.