Varicella vaccination (chickenpox vaccination) as a combination vaccination mumps–measles–rubella-varicella (simultaneous administration of varicella vaccine and MMR vaccine; in childhood) is the most important and effective preventive measure.To prevent varicella (chickenpox), attention must further be paid to reducing risk factors.
Behavioral risk factors
- Contact with ill persons in the phase of infection. However, this begins a few days before the appearance of the rash* and ends approximately one week after the appearance of the last skin symptoms.
- Insufficient hygiene
* Itchy exanthema (rash) with papules, vesicles and crusts that are in various stages of development (starry sky); usually occurs first on the face and trunk of the body, then later on the whole body including mucous membranes.
Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP)
Post-exposure prophylaxis is the provision of medication to prevent disease in persons who are not protected against a particular disease by vaccination but who have been exposed to it. For more information, see “Drug therapy.”
