The Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: What the Manufacturer's Insert Tells Us

In 1995, chickenpox suddenly became a major health problem. Six childrenwere reported to have died from chickenpox; frequent and repeated TVcoverage lasted for weeks without anyone mentioning that two of the sixchildren had leukemia and the others were on cortico-steroids. - Dr. F. Edward Yazbak

For most of us adults, chickenpox was a right of passage growing up. Those little itchy, highly contagious spots lasted about two to three weeks and probably left one or two scars behind. The disease was mild and we got a some ice cream and new coloring books out of it. Less than one percent of us experienced serious complications from it. Almost all of us developed lifelong immunity, and will never have chickenpox again.

Introducing the Varicella Vaccine

There is now a vaccine for the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox. The Centers for Disease Control happily claim that "Chickenpox vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox, therefore protecting children and adults from the severe complications and death associated with the disease. Even with uncomplicated chickenpox cases, lost time from school and work and the cost of medications or treatment that may be needed can result in a significant cost for the family."

The CDC also points out that in a study (the reference is not provided), 3 out of 4 parents are unaware that chickenpox can result in death. In 1992, a typical year for chicken pox, 3.7 million cases of chicken pox were reported, and 100 deaths. More than half of those deaths were adults. Therefore, a child's chance of dying from chickenpox was (and still is) less than 50/1,000,000 or .00005%.


The Varicella Vaccine Package Insert