Question

Discuss your thoughts, as a scientist, and a class member of BIOL420, on "chickenpox parties." What was the original justification for these parties and how did this change upon the development of a VZV vaccine? What would your advice be to a friend who asked you your opinion on sending their children to a chickenpox party?

Answer 1

Chickenpox parties are a type of social gatherings where parents deliberately exposed their children to varicella or chickenpox virus to gain immunity. These types of parties were very common before the introduction of the varicella vaccine.

The thoughts were that by purposefully exposing their children to the chickenpox, they would develop immunity against it and can be prevented from more uncomfortable and troublesome infection later in their age.

A possible reappearance of these pox parties is worrying since the chickenpox vaccine saves lives. Problems from chickenpox exposure are particularly dangerous and probably for children below 1-year-old, people elder than 15 years, and immune-compromised individuals.

I would like to advise my friend that Why they have to suffer their children and set them at risk for developing problems as there is a trouble-free, research-proven way out is present that is a lot safer.