• The risk of hospitalisation and death from chickenpox has risen in adults.
• Chickenpox may cause certain severe complications like pneumonia or, rarely, inflammation of the brain, both of which can be critical.
• About 90% of unvaccinated people who come into contact with an infected person will get chickenpox.

Which adults need the chickenpox vaccine?

• All adults who have never had chickenpox since childhood and never were vaccinated against chickenpox.
• Adults who are at greater risk of exposure should especially consider the vaccination. They include health care workers, teachers, daycare workers, and college students.

What happens when a person gets chickenpox?

The characteristic symptom of chickenpox is a rash which develops into itchy blisters over the entire body. The outbreak can spread into the mouth or other parts inside the body too. Chickenpox can also cause fever, body aches and fatigue. Usually, the chickenpox infection is not severe, but the risk of hospitalisation and death hasraised in adults and adolescents.

Why is the chickenpox vaccine in Streatham important?

The vaccine reduces the possibility of getting chickenpox tremendously. Vaccinated individuals who get infected are expected to experience a milder form of the virus than those who are not vaccinated.