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How Long Does Immunity Last After Receiving Varicella Vaccination?

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Posted on Thu, 1 Jun 2017
Question: Hi doctor,

I am having single ventricle congenital heart defect. I never had chicken pox till date, I have taken a varicella vaccine at the age of 5. Recently one of my colleague was affected by chicken pox and was in the office before he was completely recovered and I am doubtful that it might spread across. Would I be affected even if I had the vaccine? And would it cause any severe complications especially because of my heart defect?
What precautions should I be taking to avoid any complications?

Thank you doctor. Its really helpfull.

Can I take another Varicella vaccine at this age of 26 to increase the immunity?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please refer to detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
After reading your medical details I understand your concern for your health and I would like to tell you that :

1. A full course of varicella vaccine provides an immunity cover for upto 10 to 20 years.

2. Yes you can get affected if your antibody titer against the varicella zoster has gone low.

3. There are no obvious complications associated with varicella infection. Myocarditis has been mentioned as a VERY RARE complication.

4. PRECAUTIONS which you need to take is to get your Varicella zoster IgM titer test done to see your immunity level against the viruses. If it cones out to be adequate then you need not worry.

I hope this information will answer your query. Feel free to ask if you have any more doubts.

Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu Partap

Brief Answer:
Hello Again

Detailed Answer:
It's advisable that you should first get your titer levels checked and if they are within good range then no need and if less then you can.

Feel free to ask if you have any more doubts or else you can close the discussion and kindly rate the answer.

Kind regards
Dr Bhanu partap
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Bhanu Partap

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 4738 Questions

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How Long Does Immunity Last After Receiving Varicella Vaccination?

Brief Answer: Please refer to detailed answer below Detailed Answer: After reading your medical details I understand your concern for your health and I would like to tell you that : 1. A full course of varicella vaccine provides an immunity cover for upto 10 to 20 years. 2. Yes you can get affected if your antibody titer against the varicella zoster has gone low. 3. There are no obvious complications associated with varicella infection. Myocarditis has been mentioned as a VERY RARE complication. 4. PRECAUTIONS which you need to take is to get your Varicella zoster IgM titer test done to see your immunity level against the viruses. If it cones out to be adequate then you need not worry. I hope this information will answer your query. Feel free to ask if you have any more doubts. Kind Regards Dr Bhanu Partap Brief Answer: Hello Again Detailed Answer: It's advisable that you should first get your titer levels checked and if they are within good range then no need and if less then you can. Feel free to ask if you have any more doubts or else you can close the discussion and kindly rate the answer. Kind regards Dr Bhanu partap