A pox on the party: Chicken pox parties dangerous for kids

My 4-year-old daughter’s classmate has chicken pox, and her mother invited my daughter over for a “pox party.” My daughter received her first chicken pox vaccine when she was a year old, and is scheduled to get her second vaccine in the next several months. I always make sure to keep up with her booster schedule, but it’s just chicken pox! I had it, and everyone I knew growing up had it. Plus, I would rather she get it now, rather than as an adult, when it can be more dangerous. How should I respond to this invitation?

Many parents of young children remember a time when getting chicken pox was just a routine part of childhood. However, this is no longer the case. The vaccination for varicella, the virus that causes chicken pox, was introduced in 1995, and since then, there has been a drastic reduction in the number of cases that occur each year. Two doses of the vaccine are 98-percent effective at preventing chicken pox. Under no circumstances should you bring your daughter to a “pox party.”

Just because chicken pox once was common does not mean it was safe. Of the four million cases per year reported before the varicella vaccine became available, more than 10,500 required hospitalization and more than 100 were fatal. Although the classic symptoms — fever and headache, followed by itchy blisters that can spread throughout the body — often resolve within approximately one week, serious complications can arise.

While relatively rare in children, these potential complications include bacterial infection of the skin, pneumonia, and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

As you noted in your question, the common wisdom prior to the development of the vaccine was that it was better to get chicken pox over with in early childhood instead of risking developing it as an adult, when the chance of serious problems increase. However, this is no longer a necessary consideration. As long as your daughter receives her second dose of the vaccine according to her booster schedule, it is very unlikely she will have to experience chicken pox at all.

What your daughter’s classmate’s mother is doing is not just misguided, it is also dangerous. It is likely that many children in the class have not yet received their second vaccine, and are therefore not yet fully immunized. If an outbreak occurred in the class, the disease could then potentially spread to those who are at highest risk for severe complications, such as pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, or elderly people.

There is a possibility that your daughter’s classmate may not be receiving vaccines or booster shots. This is something that needs to be brought to the school’s attention immediately. The vaccine schedule exists as it does to maximize your child’s immunity to diseases that were once commonplace and devastating. Chicken pox is going the way of polio and measles, and will continue to do so as long as parents are diligent about their children’s vaccinations. Although there are some who resist the idea of vaccinating children, vaccines are safe and necessary.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Pocono Springs Camp

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, just 75 miles from New York City and 100 miles from Philadelphia, Pocono Springs Camp offers a unique concept in the world of overnight summer camps: a traditional co-ed camp experience in a 5-week program. Pocono Springs offers an extensive variety of activities and healthy challenges that allow campers to flourish. Campers have the opportunity to experience personal success, build confidence and independence, while creating lifelong friendships and lasting memories.</span></p>

Young Actors at Strasberg

<p>Young Actors at Strasberg offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 – 12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry – all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson!</p> <p>Young Actors Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in July and August.</p> <p><strong>About The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute:</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.</p>

Hampton Racquet

<p>Hampton Racquet is a family-owned boutique country club situated in the picturesque setting of East Hampton, NY. This summer, Hampton Racquet is partnering with Premier Tennis to bring elevated youth tennis camps to the Hamptons. Designed for ages 4+, with three programs available, these camps embody the Premier Tennis philosophy of “train like a pro to play like a pro.” At Premier Tennis, our camps provide a foundation of the game for the youngest of players, while offering top tier training for those looking to reach their full potential.</p> <p>At Hampton Racquet, Our offerings extend beyond just tennis. From boutique fitness classes, to pickleball, to family nights at our club restaurant, we’re sure that the whole family will enjoy spending time at Hampton Racquet this summer.</p> <p> </p>