Chickepox Vaccine (1 Yr Old) - What Experiences Did You Have?

Updated on April 12, 2008
J.D. asks from Toms River, NJ
16 answers

My son had the chickenpox vaccine on Thurday. He seemed fine at first but over the weekend he slowly built up a new level of tiredenss, then by Tuesday, he got a fever and was very sick. The next day after that he developed a full body rash that looked like heat rash but wasn't, also a few pimple like spots, blisters around his mouth and sores inside his mouth/throat. (Today will be one week since the vaccine) His fever seems to have broke but This has been HORRIBLE. He's barely slept, eaten or drank anything and has been crying non stop. We've been doing everything we could to comfort him and give him nutrients so he didn't wind up with an IV in the hospital, suffering from dehydration. He has short spurts of energy and seems like himself, but then falls back into the disaster. I was told by an on call dr (over the phone) and a pediatrician who saw him yesterday (not our regular) that this was just viral and didn't have to do with the vaccine. She stated a virus, herpes around the mouth (non sexual of course)and tested for strep throat (which initially looked to be negative). My regular pediatrican said a rash could occur up to one month after the vaccine and the nurse who administered it said a "reaction" could occur ten days out - including a rash up to a month after. I also read on the CDC website similar information to this. I just can't help but think theres more to this "virus" due to the vaccine. I guess it doesn't matter b/c we can only do so much either way, but I just want some answers and understanding. Has anyone else experienced anything like this after the 1 yr old chicken pox vaccine?

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So What Happened?

Thank you everyone for your input. I think everyone understood ALL of my various concerns. Anyway - saw our regular pediatrician today - he confirmed its NOT chicken pox, its the coxsackie virus and very commonn (as most of you thought too). I'm glad the pediatrician put a name to it though and gave me some ideas on how to soothe the rash. He said keep him away from others for one more week but he thought it already looked as if he was healing. Overall his mood is better, he's eating, sort of sleeping well and he's having fun. We've still got a ways to go before being 100% but I can rest easy now and move on from this one. He does go to daycare two days a week so I'm ont surprised of him contracting something. I just was very concerned with the timing. Well, til next time! Thanks again everyone!!!

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L.B.

answers from Rochester on

I have two children who had both had this vaccine. My older daughter had the same reaction to an extent of what you are describing, and the younger wasn't effected at all. My older had a fever, was lethargic/tired and had an all over body rash. Which also included spots on her that didn't quite turn into blisters. This was maybe a week or so after she had the vaccination. Our pediatrician had told us that she had actually gotten a mild form of chicken pox. She had gotten better a couple weeks after the symptoms, but had the rash for probably almost a month. We were told as long as the spots weren't open blisters that she wasn't contagious. I don't remember her having blisters in or around her mouth- so maybe by coincidence your child has also a virus. The most you can do is just try and keep them comfortable. It will pass.

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M.N.

answers from New York on

Hi there - my two boys were vaccinated against chicken pox with no problems. Now I have a baby girl who reacts to every vaccination she gets with a high fever and irritability. I am wondering if I should not do it for her due to what I've been reading. I do know that when you vaccinate you should ask for "dead" viruses vs. live virus - otherwise complications can be much higher. I'm sorry your son is sick and I would definitely research vaccines before he gets them again - I see an alternative Dr. in Ridgefield who suggested I give my daughter supplemental drops from Germany that are supposed to help support her immune system when she gets shots. So far so good. If you are interested let me know and I will give you the info.

Good luck - hope your boy is on the mend.

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M.B.

answers from New York on

I haven't read the responses you've gotten so far yet, but please make sure to report this to: http://vaers.hhs.gov/ 99% of the time YOUR DOCTOR WON'T DO IT FOR YOU even tho they're supposed to.

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M.K.

answers from New York on

hi J.,

Sounds like Herpes Labialis,OR Coxackie Virus

My son had this( herpes labialis) and the doctor said it would last between a week to 10 days, and for me it lasted exactly 10 days,

This was not a reaction to the Chicken pox shot tho, its something they catch from outside , other children, ect.

Its a severe cold sore reaction, http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/000606.htm

NOW, I am personally not entirely sure thats accurate because
my oldest got herpes on his Cheek, and I am positive this was a reaction to the second chicken pox shot theyy receive at 11 years old.
http://www.understanding-herpes.com/?keywords=what+is+her...

And lastly Coxsackie virus, http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_vir...

Which I have an adult friend whom got this at the pool, you can get it from some one infected with it, or fecal matter on hands ect.. My baby also had this infection, he got it when he started crawling.

Hope these sites help

Good luck
hope the baby feels better, i know how horrible it can be.

M
EDIT: Just read the others comments,

I agree that most doctors DO NOT report these outbreaks, however it would be difficult to determine whether he contracted the virus or infection prior to the injection, Many of these viruses can remain dormant for up to 3 weeks,
ALSO you could have contracted it at teh doctors office from another infected child, who touched the door handle, or play things, ect..

Eg. I am a SAHM who would closely monitors her children,
i know that my child did not get Coxsackie from my home, However, we got to the super market, park, and for walks outside, Your sneakers can bring in THOUSANDS of germs, even if your hands are cleaned constantly, the mail man , garbage man, ANIMALS can all bring germs.

With my oldest son, who is 11 he is exposed at school, its difficult to monitor him there, he is exposed to a multitude of infectious material DAILY, Whats to say he didn't catch it from a friend at school without realizing he was infectious ect...

And the Herpes Labialis, for my started with swollen gums,
I waited 3 days thinking it could be coxsackie, and would get better, BUt it got worse, he was HOME for 2 weeks, we went NO where, HAD one playdate at our house, And went to the super market one time. I have no way of knowing how he got this infection, BUt I can tell you its horrible, and by tuesday of next week you should see improvement, If you haven't already please take the baby back to the doctors office.There isn't much they can do for her,it just needs to run its course.

VALTREX cream is for herpes which will be helpfull on the spots on the outside, so is herpecin.
I opted for the valtrex because I have 3 boys, and suspect i will eventually need it again, I prefer the good stuff.

Good luck
feel better

M

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P.M.

answers from New York on

This sounds like the Coxsacki virus. Here's what I was able to find:
Signs and Symptoms
Coxsackievirus can produce a wide variety of symptoms. About half of all kids infected with coxsackievirus have no symptoms. Others suddenly develop high fever, headache, and muscle aches, and some also develop a sore throat, abdominal discomfort, or nausea. A child with a coxsackievirus infection may simply feel hot but have no other symptoms. In most kids, the fever lasts about 3 days, then disappears.
Coxsackieviruses can also cause several different symptoms that affect different body parts, including:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease, a type of coxsackievirus syndrome, causes painful red blisters in the throat and on the tongue, gums, hard palate, inside of the cheeks, and the palms of hands and soles of the feet.
Herpangina, an infection of the throat which causes red-ringed blisters and ulcers on the tonsils and soft palate, the fleshy back portion of the roof of the mouth.
Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, an infection that affects the whites of the eyes. Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis usually begins as eye pain, followed quickly by red, watery eyes with swelling, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.
Occasionally, coxsackieviruses can cause more serious infections that may need to be treated in a hospital, including:
viral meningitis, an infection of the meninges (the three membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord)
encephalitis, a brain infection
myocarditis, an infection of the heart muscle
Treating Coxsackievirus Infections:
Depending on the type of infection and symptoms, the doctor may prescribe medications to make your child feel more comfortable. However, because antibiotics only work against bacteria, they can't be used to fight a coxsackievirus infection.

Acetaminophen may be given to relieve any minor aches and pains. If the fever lasts for more than 24 hours or if your child has any symptoms of a more serious coxsackievirus infection, call your doctor.

Most children with a simple coxsackievirus infection recover completely after a few days without needing any treatment. A child who has a fever without any other symptoms should rest in bed or play quietly indoors. Offer plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

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M.M.

answers from New York on

Hi J., my twins (who are now three) got the chicken pox vaccine which I remember was combined with another vaccine or two which was new at the time and made me a little uncomfortable that it was so many things in one -but the dr assured us that it was perfectly safe. I remember my son breakikng out in a rash about 10 days after the vaccine which was vaccine related chicken pox. It lasted a few days. I remember canceling playgroup at my house the day he woke up with the rash. He did not have any of the other symtoms you are describing but I'd go online (I'm sure you have) and see what side effects are listed from the vaccine.
Good luck! I hope he's better soon!
M.

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L.D.

answers from Albany on

My 2 older sons didn't have reactions to the vaccine. My youngest is 8 months old so I don't know about him. My oldest sons never had any issues with their shots whereas my youngest developed very loose stools for a good month after getting the second and third rotavirus vaccine.

Please make sure your doctor reports it to the manufacturer. Whether you know for sure or not it is from the vaccine, the symptoms came right after getting the vaccine and they need to know that. It will also need to be kept in mind when it comes time to get the second varicella vaccine at 4 years old. Apparently one shot gives them just a 15% chance of getting chicken pox at some point while getting the second (booster) shot is supposed to eliminate their chance of getting chicken pox.

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S.R.

answers from New York on

If you do not trust your dr, get another one, or at least get a second opinion. it does sound like a mild case of chicken pox...but it could also be coxsackie virus as well. both are incredibly difficult to soothe and it just takes time. and truthfully, if it is chicken pox...it is not life threatening to the majority of children, we all had it growing up.

however, i would document it both publicly and personally so that the next time the same shot is administered you can talk to your pediatrician about the reaction they had last time...

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T.P.

answers from New York on

J., PLEASE do not vaccinate your child again. His body is showing you that HE CANNOT handle vaccines. Let's just pray that he fully recovers from this. Going forward, I would wait until he is ATLEAST two years old before giving him anymore. FOLLOW YOUR GUT (it never leads you down the wrong path) and not your doctors advice. Please visit www.mercola.com, http://thinktwice.com/support.htm

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Q.F.

answers from New York on

my daughter had that vaccine at about 1 yr and she got a slight temp (normally 98 and went up to 99.2) and got pretty cranky, but for her 1st yr EVERY time she went for shots that was the deal for the 1st day or 2. a couple days (possibly a week later....it's been a yr since this has happened so my memory isn't too good on time) she started getting a couple of little spots that looked like pimples. my mother insisted that it was chicken pox and it looked EXACTLY like when i had them (and my brother) when i/we were little. i immediately took her to the dr's and when her dr. saw the spots she yelled at me "OMG WHERE DID YOU TAKE HER????" she said that it couldn't be from the vaccine, that it was "LIKE" chicken pox, but not quite....from that my mother took that as it was chicken pox, and i had no clue what to think of that. i just put some calamine lotion on the spots and tried to keep her from other kids. my aunt refused to go near her because of shingles, and her mother already having them from her nephew. but everyone else who was around her (my friend's kid and anyone else who NEVER had chicken pox) were completely fine. so i'm assuming it was some kind of a reaction from the vaccine even though the dr. said no, but either way i was lucky enough for it to be such a mild reaction and nothing as severe as what your son is going through. i am so sorry to hear the pain he's going through. i would definitely go to another dr and get a 2nd opinion and see if maybe there's something that they can give him to ease the pain (safely of course). good luck. again, sorry to hear how much pain he's going through, sounds absolutely horrible.

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M.W.

answers from New York on

Part of the problem with the controversy over vaccines is exactly what you are experiencing. Vaccines are given, reactions happen, then a member of the medical community says - "It's not related to the vaccine". They don't know that for sure. Report what happened to VAERS(?) I know someone else gave you the contact info - I can't remember the correct acronym. Vaccine companies don't even fully know the side effects of vaccines because they don't test them before given them to our children - they use our children as test subjects and only pull things off the market when they have disastrous side effects - and even then try to point those ill effects to something else. The group that you report side effects to keeps track and tries to keep the vaccine companies in check, but they can't follow through on what they don't know so it is important that you report what happened. Maybe it was a virus and from something else - but how many coincidences happen with such a strong correlation? Vaccines have a ton of other things in them besides the actual vaccine - maybe your son is reacting to the preservative (which could be anything from a heavy metal to formaldehyde). You may want him checked for metals as well to make sure they are out of his system especially if these ill effects continue.

I am not fully against vaccinations but do not vaccinate against everything - even when it's required, I am holding off on many - when they aren't required, I am not allowing the ped to give them to my dgtr. I just don't trust the industry enough to truly protect our kids more than their wallets.

Good luck and I hope your son is feeling better. And that you can get some sleep also soon!

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L.G.

answers from New York on

hi J. - seems like a pretty bad reaction to the vaccine. I would talk to your doctor about giving him vaccines one at a time from now on.

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A.T.

answers from New York on

Take a deep breath and .....exhale. First, try to calm down, I know how hard it is to see our babies so sick and us not be able to do anything. Vaccines are the cause of so much controversy, between autism and all the chaos and havoc they cause in our tiny babies immune systems. This sounds as if though he was starting to get sick, his immune system therefor was compromised and then he was given the vaccine. Through no fault of yours or his, it was probably just bad timing and it all came together and overwhelmed him. Both my kids received the chicken pox vaccine years ago and they were fine. The usual tired, weird stuff that goes on within the couple of days of the initial shot. Unfortunately, if it is as I suspect and he does have a viral bug plus the side affects of the shot, you may just have to ride it through. Make sure you give him lots of fluids....gatorade, pedialyte, pedialyte frozen pops, ice chips, popsicles as a treat for being such a trooper. Perhaps you should get a second opinion if your instincts are not ok with the responses the doctors have given you thus far. Keep your chin up, it'll all be over soon and you can tell some other unsure mom on mamasource this story and help her get through it. Good Luck, and remember, lots of fluids!

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R.L.

answers from New York on

I haven't, but my friend did with the MMR vaccination. Honestly, it sounds like a reaction to me. I'd get a second opinion or take your son to the hospital. If for nothing else but to a) document it, and b) see if you can't your son some relief.

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J.G.

answers from Rochester on

My daughter was vaccinated yesterday and has a low grade fever, but after reading all of this I am going to watch her very closely, scary stuff... I hope all goes well for you and that your baby is feeling better soon. Good luck!

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A.J.

answers from Albany on

My daughter had a rash after her chicken pox vaccine. No fever though that I can remember, just a rash. Our dr. said the same thing that it was most likely viral and not related to the vax.

His explanation for this was because it was more likely that she caught a virus since less than 5% of children with the varicella vax have experienced a rash as a result of the vax. Since I knew she hadn't been in contact with anyone but myself (unless she picked up something from being at the dr.'s office which is very likely...eeewww!), I am almost positive the rash was from the vax. But it did go away without any problems.

It sounds as if you are doing all the right things in comforting your son. Try and relax though, you did the right thing by getting the vax now to avoid future issues. My best to you.

A.

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