VARIVAX
There is now a booster recommended for the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine. The recommendations are for children 12 months-12 years to receive 2 doses of the vaccine at least 3 months apart. All children routinely should receive the first dose at 12-15 months of age and a 2nd dose at age 4-6. From age 13 and up, they should receive 2 doses spaced 1-2 months apart (if they have not already had chickenpox or had a previous varivax). Anyone 13 and older who has had one varivax need only have one booster.
HEPATITIS A
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. The virus is spread by close personal contact and sometimes by eating food or drinking water contaminated by the virus. It is found in the stool of people with thedisease. It can cause “flu-like” symptoms, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is quite contagious within households.
There is a vaccine for this virus, which has been given to people traveling to certain countries. There are now some new recommendations for this vaccine. It is now recommended that the following people should routinely receive the vaccine:
· Children age 12 months- 23 months
· People 1 year and up traveling to high risk countries (see the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/travel)
· Children and adolescents in states where it is law to have the vaccine because of higher incidence of disease or if there is an outbreak of Hepatitis A.
The vaccine is given as 2 doses at least 6 months apart.