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How Can I Prevent Chickenpox?

the child is 1 year old. It is also a protection to vulnerable people, such as non-immune women who plan to become pregnant. Some, such as those who are already pregnant, are not eligible to receive the chickenpox vaccine. Consult your doctor for advice.

For susceptible persons who are not eligible to receive chickenpox vaccine.

A treatment called varicella zoster immune globulin or VZIG can prevent or significantly curtail chickenpox infection after exposure (coming into close contact with a case). However, because it is costly and only provides temporary protection, VZIG is only recommended for persons at high risk of developing severe disease.

VZIG should be administered as soon as possible, but no later than 96 hours after exposure to chickenpox. If you have had a varicella exposure and you are not already immune, contact your doctor.

Pregnancy Concerns

If you have not had chickenpox and are exposed to the virus while pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. A VZIG injection, given within 72 to 96 hours of exposure, may help lessen the severity of the disease. The virus can still pass to your unborn child, but possible complications such as fetal malformation or retarded growth may be less likely to occur. If you give birth while you have chickenpox, the baby should also receive immunoglobulin.