Chickenpox vaccine available to preschool kids

Chickenpox is highly contagious and symptoms include a red, itchy rash.

Starting August 1, the second dose of the chickenpox vaccine will be available, free of charge to all Alberta children between the ages of four and six.

The vaccine for varicella is combined with the second dose of measles, mumps, and rubella.

Children are given the initial dose at 12 months old.

Fred Horne, the Minister of Health, says that the vaccine helps protect kids and family members at heightened risk of the disease.

He says that the vaccine is 90 percent effective in stopping the disease.

The dose is available, free of charge, from any Alberta Health Services public health clinic.

While most people recover from chickenpox with no lasting effects, varicella can be very dangerous to newborn babies, adults, and those who have weak immune systems.

For more information, visit the following website.