Why Vaccinating Children and Adults Against Chickenpox Really Matters

Chickenpox may seem like a “normal childhood illness,” but modern medicine shows something important:
vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect both children and adults.

Is chickenpox really dangerous?
Most children recover, but chickenpox is not always mild. It can lead to:

• high fever
• bacterial skin infections
• pneumonia
• dehydration
• neurological complications (e.g., cerebellar ataxia)
• hospitalization

Adults and teenagers typically experience much more severe disease than young children.

Why vaccination is so important
✔️ Prevents infection entirely in most cases
The varicella vaccine offers excellent protection against both illness and complications.
✔️ If vaccinated children do get chickenpox, it’s usually extremely mild
Often only a few spots, low fever, and quick recovery.
✔️ Protects adults — who get the worst complications
Unvaccinated adults face a significantly higher risk of pneumonia and hospitalization.
✔️ Reduces the risk of shingles later in life
Because a weaker form of the virus is used, vaccinated children have a much lower chance of developing shingles compared with those who had natural chickenpox.
✔️ Protects vulnerable individuals
Including newborns, pregnant women, children on immunosuppressive treatment, and those who cannot be vaccinated.

Who should be vaccinated?
• All children (usually 2 doses)
• Adults who never had chickenpox and were never vaccinated
• Healthcare workers, teachers, and caregivers
• Parents of young children who haven’t had the disease

❗ A common myth:
“It’s better for children to get chickenpox naturally.”

➡️ Not true.
Natural infection carries far more risks — while the vaccine is well-studied, safe, and extremely effective.

🌿 Vaccination protects your child today and gives them healthier years ahead.

Yours,
Dr Aleksandra 🦋

Dr Aleksandra Gajecka
Pediatrician in Malta

• Treatment of sick children
• Protective baby and childhood vaccinations
• Health check-ups
• Care for the development of healthy children
• Counseling in children’s physical and mental development
• Online consultations regarding the possibilities of effective diagnostics
• Preliminary diagnostics and referring patients to specialists for in-depth diagnostics
• Issuing documents and certificates needed for nurseries, schools and educational institutions