Get unlimited digital access to 99¢ for 4 weeks.


Chickenpox parties are so passe, thankfully
Chickenpox parties are so passe, thankfully

Q: My son is 5 years old and just started school. He hasn't had the chickenpox yet, but I'm sure he'll get it eventually. I know some parents actually expose their children to kids with chickenpox so they can catch it and get it over with. Is this safe? Do you suggest I do that? A: Great news! Your child does not have to get chickenpox. The need for chickenpox parties is over. Now, the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is one of the regular childhood shots, and kids are able to avoid the effects of the chickenpox disease. If your child is current on vaccines, he should already have had two chickenpox vaccines. The first of the two doses is given at the 1-year-old exam. The...