nbc4.com
Tuesday, June 12, 2007, 3:19 pm

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The CDC recommends two doses of chickenpox vaccine.


The Centers for Disease Control has released a statement which recommends that children receive a second dose of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine between the ages of four and six. One dose is already recommended for children at 12 to 15 months on age, but may not be enough to fully protect children from the chickenpox. Studies have shown that about 15 to 20 percent of children who only receive one dose of the vaccine can still contract chickenpox. Also, the CDC recommends that adults who only received one dose of the varicella vaccine as a child get a second dose, as chickenpox can be a much more serious disease for adults. “We have made great progress in reducing chickenpox during the past ten years,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases in a press release, “This recommendation will further reduce outbreaks of chickenpox and provide better individual protection.


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