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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should I Get Chicken Pox Vaccine Inspite Of My Parents Being Infected With It?

I am not sure if I had chicken pox as a child. I am concerned about getting the shingles. My parents and siblings is deceased. There is no one to ask if I had the chicken pox. My question is, can I take the vaccine
not knowing if I have had the chicken pox. I am 65 years old and the shingles is something I don't care to get. Thank you so much for your answer.
Mon, 8 Dec 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,welcome to the HCM
At the age of 65 yrs the varicella vaccine is recommended by ACIP(the advisory committee on immunization practice).
If i were the doctor to suggest the patient after exposure with chickenpox ,I would re ommend the varicella vaccine especialy if the patient do not have evidence of immunity.
Idealy the vaccine should be given within 3 to 5 days after exposure to chicken pox.Still after 5 days of exposure vaccine can be offered.
hopefully my answeris helpfull.
Regards,Dr.Maheshwari.
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Should I Get Chicken Pox Vaccine Inspite Of My Parents Being Infected With It?

Hello,welcome to the HCM At the age of 65 yrs the varicella vaccine is recommended by ACIP(the advisory committee on immunization practice). If i were the doctor to suggest the patient after exposure with chickenpox ,I would re ommend the varicella vaccine especialy if the patient do not have evidence of immunity. Idealy the vaccine should be given within 3 to 5 days after exposure to chicken pox.Still after 5 days of exposure vaccine can be offered. hopefully my answeris helpfull. Regards,Dr.Maheshwari.