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When you get a chicken pox vaccine what you are basically given is a live, disease producing virus. As a result of the modification the virus has become weak. When it is injected in the body what it basically does is to allow the virus to grow in your body. The virus in your body offers you immunity against any attacks of the chicken pox virus. It is recommended that children who are below the age of thirteen should be given a dose of the chicken pox vaccine between 12 and 15 months. The second dose is usually given when the child is between four and six years of age. For people who are above thirteen but have never been affected by chicken pox, it is recommended that they be given two doses. There are usually four to eight weeks between the two doses of the chicken pox vaccine. If you miss a dose then you should make sure that at your next visit to the doctor you get the shot.
People who have already had chicken pox develop immunity to the disease and usually do not require a vaccine. If you are unsure about whether you have had chicken pox you can get a test done to determine this fact. Sometimes people complain of some mild side effects like stiffness of the body, soreness at the place where the injection was given. Some people also develop a mild rash after they have been given a chicken pox vaccine.
Chicken pox vaccine is believed to be very effective. It instantly gives the person who has had the vaccine immunity against the disease. The vaccine is far more effective when it has been administered during childhood. When older children or adults are given the chicken pox vaccine, the chances of it developing immunity in the person who has been injected are reduced slightly. You have not mentioned when you were given a chicken pox vaccine. Basically this will decide on how effective your immunity is. If you were given the vaccine during childhood, then you have less chances of succumbing to the disease. However, if you delayed getting the vaccine till after your thirteenth birthday, then you may have a slim chance of getting it from someone. However, there is no need to panic. If you have had the vaccine, this reduces the intensity of the disease. So, even if you do happen to get chicken pox despite getting the vaccine, the intensity of the disease will be less. You will be subjected to only a mild form of the disease.
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