nChickenpox Vaccination Urged Ahead of School Year to Prevent Outbreaks
As the new school year approaches, health authorities are emphasizing the importance of vaccinating children against chickenpox to prevent widespread outbreaks. The Expanded Immunization Program (PAI) has extended its suggestion to ensure children are protected before classes resume on February 24.
Luis Cousirat, head of the PAI, stressed that vaccination is “vrey important” to avoid the annual outbreaks of this highly contagious disease. Last year alone, there were over 1,700 cases of chickenpox, with 48 outbreaks reported—39 of which occurred in schools. Cousirat described chickenpox as a “prevalent disease in childhood and highly contagious,” highlighting the need for proactive measures.The chickenpox vaccine is administered in two doses: the first at 15 months and the second at five years of age. This schedule aligns with the school year, making it crucial for parents to ensure their children are up to date. The vaccine is available free of charge at over 1,000 vaccination centers, public hospitals, and private clinics.Cousirat explained that chickenpox is characterized by the appearance of blisters filled with fluid,which cause intense itching.The disease spreads easily through physical contact or respiratory droplets, making schools a hotspot for transmission. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as viral pneumonia.
“Any non-vaccinated child is susceptible,” Cousirat warned, urging parents to take advantage of the free vaccine. He also emphasized the importance of other vaccines, such as those for human papillomavirus (HPV) and tetanus, especially for individuals in high-risk occupations like construction workers.To address any concerns,Cousirat encouraged parents to call the PAI hotline at 138 for more details.
Key Points About Chickenpox vaccination
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Doses | Two doses: first at 15 months, second at five years |
| Availability | Over 1,000 vaccination centers, public hospitals, and private clinics |
| Cost | Free |
| Symptoms | Blisters with fluid, itching, potential for viral pneumonia |
| Transmission | Physical contact or respiratory droplets |
With the school year fast approaching, health officials are calling on parents to prioritize their children’s health by ensuring they are vaccinated against chickenpox. This simple step can prevent outbreaks and protect the broader community.
![Mercedes F1 Reserve Bartelli Bottas to McLaren?[F1-gate.com]](https://i0.wp.com/f1-gate.com/media/img2025/20250128-mclaren.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 "Mercedes F1 Reserve Bartelli Bottas to McLaren?[F1-gate.com]")
