Q's about the chicken pox vaccine re: how contagious

Not sure if anyone knows this but I am finding it hard to get a straight answer so I figure maybe through experience you might be able to help.

If DC gets the chicken pox vaccine and does NOT have a reaction are they contagious (can non-vaccinanted siblings/relatives catch the chicken pox from them?)

If DC gets the vaccine and DOES have a reaction are they AS contagious as if they had the actual chicken pox and therefore anyone who comes in contact with them who hasn't had it can catch it.

FInally, if you have had the chicken pox and your DC has a reaction can you catch the Shingles from this?

I've heard so many conflicting stories just wondering what the real deal is here in planning when to get this shot for DC.

Thank you

Re: Q's about the chicken pox vaccine re: how contagious

I'm not sure but I know that they don't recommend your child getting the shot if you are pregnant or TTCing - I think they have to get it something like 30 days before you TTC. I'm not sure about the rest but I was told that I didn't need to worry about taking DD to playdates and classes after she had her vaccination.

I DO know that you cannot catch shingles from someone with chicken pox. You can only catch chicken pox from someone with shingles OR someone with chicken pox. You cannot catch shingles.

You get shingles - when the chicken pox in your system reactivates and basically resurfaces (in simple terms). So you can't catch shingles - you have to have had chicken pox to get shingles and it has nothing to do with being around someone with chicken pox - KWIM? Now if someone has shingles and they are around someone who has not had chicken pox they CAN pass chicken pox onto that person.

Re: Q's about the chicken pox vaccine re: how contagious

Re: Q's about the chicken pox vaccine re: how contagious

Re: Q's about the chicken pox vaccine re: how contagious

Re: Q's about the chicken pox vaccine re: how contagious

My nephew had the chicken pox vaccine & developed a mild case of the chicken pox. He was then contagious and gave the chicken pox to both his brother & sister. I asked my Dr about this and he said it's very rare. It happens about 3% of the time.

Re: Q's about the chicken pox vaccine re: how contagious

My son wasn't able to get the shot when I was pregnant (I am not immune) and then he can't get the shot until my younger ds is able to get the shot. I'm not sure how to exactly answer your question, but just wanted to mention what I knew.

Re: Q's about the chicken pox vaccine re: how contagious

I am immune and pregnant and was told that my DD can get the vaccine.

Re: Q's about the chicken pox vaccine re: how contagious

DD had the varicella vaccine when I was preggo and it was no issue. The ped knew I was preggo.

The above poster is correct about shingles....you cannot "catch" shingles from someone with chicken pox. Shingles is the re-activation of the chicken pox within your own body.