Chickenpox

(Varicella)

Did you know?

In Singapore, the incidence is around 500 cases per 100,000 population.¹ Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus.² It can cause up to 500 itchy and blister-like rashes that spreads over the entire body.²

While chickenpox is more common in children, its effects are often more severe in adults.³

How it spreads

Impact on health

Complications of a chickenpox infection include:¹¹

• Dehydration
• Brain damage from encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Pneumonia
• Arthritis (joint pain, stiffness and swelling)

Chickenpox can also cause serious health risks for pregnant women and their baby.⁵ Complications related to chickenpox in pregnancy vary depending on the gestation period in which chickenpox is contracted:

• First 20 weeks of pregnancy – the baby faces a slight risk of birth defects known as congenital varicella syndrome.⁵
• Few days before delivery to 48 hours postpartum – the baby might be born with neonatal varicella, a potentially life-threatening infection.⁵
• Pregnant mothers can get pneumonia if chickenpox is contracted during pregnancy.⁵

Get protected

Who is at risk?⁶

• Newborns and infants of unvaccinated mothers or mothers who have yet to contract chickenpox.
• Pregnant women who have yet to contract chickenpox.
• Immunocompromised individuals due to medications or medical conditions like the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
• People taking steroid medications.

 

Vaccination

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Varicella Vaccine vaccination as the best way to prevent chickenpox.²
• Singapore’s National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) recommends for all children to receive the Varicella Vaccine (VAR).⁷
• Children, adolescents and adults should get vaccinated even if they have never had chickenpox or were never vaccinated.⁷
• People considering pregnancy who have yet to contract chickenpox or were never vaccinated should also receive the VAR.⁵ However, pregnant women should not receive the vaccine, and pregnancy should be avoided for 3 months after receiving the vaccine.⁸

All Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) who meet the criteria for vaccination under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) are eligible for subsidies for nationally-recommeded vaccinations.⁹

Singaporeans can use Medisave to fund their Varicella vaccination. Patients with complex chronic conditions will be able to use up to $700 per patient yearly, while other patients will be able to use up to $500 per patient yearly.¹⁰_[RT2]

Please consult your healthcare professionals for more information on the disease.