Addendum to the PSA with some info about the chickenpox vaccine.
The chickenpox vaccine was added to the childhood immunization schedule in 1995. The booster dose was added in 2006.
When chickenpox occurs in vaccinated individuals, these cases are known as breakthrough cases. Breakthrough cases are usually very mild compared with the disease in unvaccinated individuals.
Every state and DC requires it of schoolchildren.
It does not produce the desired immune reaction in children under 1. That's why the first shot is around the first birthday.
Chickenpox is usually a mild disease in children, and they generally do not experience complications. In some cases, however, secondary bacterial infections related to lesions can occur. Other possible complications include pneumonia and neurological complications. Complications are more likely for children under age 1, anyone over age 15, and people who have weakened immune systems. Chickenpox infection in pregnancy can be risky to the mother, to the pregnancy, and to the newborn.
We require the chickenpox vaccine for schoolchildren even though they are not the group primarily at risk. The benefit accrues in large part to other groups--pregnant women, infants, adults, those with compromised immune systems. Since requiring the chickenpox vaccine for schoolchildren, the incidence of chickenpox in these more vulnerable populations has dropped sharply.
This is what good policy looks like in the face of externalities. We need a similar strategy with respect to the covid vaccine. Incentivize everyone to get a shot. Mandate it among schoolchildren once the FDA has validated safety and efficacy. Certainly mandate it among the military.
