Newly introduced jab for chickenpox will be available at all public health centres from tomorrow

The Ministry of Health in Dubai has introduced a new anti-chickenpox vaccine into the National Immunisation Programme for protection of children against viral diseases.

Chickenpox is a common childhood illness and is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Some children have only a few spots but in others they can cover the entire body. The spots are most likely to appear on the face, ears and scalp, under the arms, on the chest and stomach and on the arms and legs.

Chickenpox is most common in children under 10. It is very contagious to people who have never had the illness and people who have not taken the option of being vaccinated. Children, as well as adults, can get the virus from an infected person who sneezes, coughs, or shares food or drinks or from the fluid from a Chickenpox blister.  The virus can spread two to three days before the rash appears and up until the blisters crust over.

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