– Amid a slight increase in chickenpox cases, the varicella vaccine that helps prevent the disease is currently out of stock at hospitals, the Daily Mirror learns.
When the Daily Mirror inquired at leading private hospitals, officials confirmed that the vaccine is unavailable. The cost of the vaccine ranges from Rs 7,500 to Rs 9,500.
According to health authorities, the vaccine is also not available at government hospitals.
Several spokespersons from private hospitals noted that a considerable number of patients had received the vaccine over the past few weeks.
Meanwhile, speaking to the Daily Mirror, Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said that health officials had observed an uptick in chickenpox cases in recent weeks.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It primarily spreads from unvaccinated individuals with chickenpox to others who have never had the virus. Up to 90% of people who are not immune and are in close contact with an infected person may also become infected.
The illness typically lasts between four to seven days. Children usually miss about five to six days of school or childcare due to chickenpox.
When asked about prevention, Dr. Perera said that the best way to prevent chickenpox is by receiving the chickenpox vaccine.
“The ideal time to get vaccinated after exposure to a chickenpox patient is within 72 hours (three days). The chickenpox vaccine is recommended for everyone, including children, adolescents, and adults who have never had chickenpox or were never vaccinated. Most people who receive the vaccine will not contract the disease,” he said.
“Administering the vaccine within this timeframe can significantly reduce the risk of developing chickenpox or lessen the severity of the disease if infection does occur. Further, children under 13 years old should receive two doses of the vaccine,” he added.
“Even if more than five days have passed since exposure, getting the vaccine is still beneficial as it can offer protection against future infections,” he added.
While chickenpox is usually mild, it can lead to serious complications in pregnant women, infants under 12 months, adolescents, adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Daily Mirror’s several attempts to get a comment from a Health Ministry official failed.
