Hi all. My son has woken up with a few spots and I'm obviously concerned it is chicken pox. Though I don't think this IS on this occasion (though I'll be monitoring) it did raise the possibility of him getting it in future (he is 6). I never had chicken pox growing up and I realise that it is serious enough for an adult let alone for those of us with auto immune disease. What is the advice here? Is there a vaccine I should have for safety?
Many thanks.
Hi Mariontp
Yes there is a vaccine suitable for anyone aged 1 to 65 years, and if you’re in UK you can pay to get it done at either of the two biggest chemist chains for around £140 for the 2 doses needed. It’s free on the NHS if there’s a pressing reason, but I doubt that PBC counts.
Of course double check with your doctors that they’re happy for you to have it, but it’s routinely done in the US (brand name Varivax) and considered safe. It’s a live attenuated (weakened) vaccine so not entirely without risk, but your son will very likely get the pox at some point so worth considering!
Very best wishes and good luck!
As Skypony said, there is a chicken pox vaccine which you can get. I asked my doctor for it since I don’t recall ever having the chicken pox. Anyway, my doctor tested me for the antibodies & said I have them so no need for vaccine. He said, I probably was exposed to it, but it didn’t develop.
I agree with Skypony that your son should be vaccinated. In the US, there is a schedule for the children to get all their vaccinations if the parents don’t opt out. Most schools won’t let the children in school unless they are vaccinated.
Immune system
does having pbc affect your immune system in so much as it is weaker?
Is PBC classified as liver disease?
Dental implants and autoimmune disease
