Is it important for my children to get shots?

Chickenpox vaccine (at 12-18 months).
Chickenpox is caused by a virus. The name of the virus is varicella-zoster. Chickenpox spreads easily from child to child. Why? We usually think of chickenpox as a red itchy rash that changes into small blisters. But even before the child has any sign of a rash they can pass the virus to others. Spreading the virus is as simple as coughing, sneezing, or just breathing out on another person.

What can you do?
Once exposed to chickenpox there is little that can be done to prevent a child from getting sick. That is unless they have already had chickenpox or had the shot to prevent chickenpox. This shot is called an immunization. Talk with your doctor about getting the chickenpox immunization for your child (12 months or older) or anyone else in the family who has not had the vaccination. This could keep them from getting the virus. Make sure to talk with the doctor or nurse about what side effects or reactions could happen. Also ask what to do if the child does have a reaction. Check to see if they have information sheets with important phone numbers and care tips.

For more information, visit the web site:
http://www.cispimmunize.org/IZSchedule_Childhood.pdf