Why chickenpox vaccine in a child's second year matters, says Navi Mumbai paediatrician

The second year is a crucial period in a child's development. Between 12 and 24 months, a child's immunity is still forming. During this time, playgroups, day-care, family gatherings, travel and visits to public places also increase the child's contact with others.

As children come into contact with more people, the risk of catching infectious diseases can also rise. Chickenpox is one such infectious disease, and parents need to pay particular attention to it. Dr Anish Pillai, lead consultant in neonatology and paediatrics at Motherhood Hospital in Navi Mumbai, explained how children can be protected from it.

According to Dr Pillai, chickenpox is highly contagious. It spreads easily through close contact with an infected person and through droplets in the air. It usually causes itchy rashes, fluid-filled blisters, fever and restlessness.

Dr Pillai said that in some cases marks or scars may remain on the body, and their psychological effect can last long after the illness has cleared. The illness also disrupts daily routine, as children have to stay away from day-care and other social activities until they recover. Parents and caregivers are affected too.

According to Dr Pillai, most children recover fully, but chickenpox can sometimes lead to serious complications such as dehydration, pneumonia and liver problems.

For this reason, Dr Pillai says parents should have children vaccinated on time, according to their age, to protect them. Chickenpox should not be dismissed as just a "common childhood illness". He said it is a preventable infection that can affect a child's health, daily routine and family life. Instead of waiting for the child to get infected, parents should speak to a paediatrician in good time about the recommended vaccination schedule.

Dr Pillai also said that after a child turns one, parents may forget about vaccines, especially when the child looks healthy and visits to the doctor become less frequent. If vaccines due in the second year are missed or delayed, there may be gaps in protection.

The recommended chickenpox vaccination usually has two doses. The first is given at 15 months and the second at 18 months. According to Dr Pillai, by following the recommended schedule strictly, parents can protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases and support their healthy growth.