Chickenpox: harmless to children, dangerous to pregnant women

Chickenpox - also known as varicella - is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. This infectious disease is spread by direct person-to-person contact. It is transmitted by contact (smear infection) or when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs (droplet infection).

Most people get chicken pox when they are young. In general, the disease is harmless, but it can cause severe complications in pregnant women, the elderly and those with a weakened immune system.

Vaccination against varicella for infants and toddlers is not part of the Swiss vaccination schedule. It is only recommended to adolescents between the ages of 11 to 15 years, if they have not yet contracted chickenpox, and to adults up to 39 years, it is recommended as a post-vaccination. Two doses of varicella vaccine are given at least four weeks apart.

If you have any further questions, please contact your physician.