by Valarie Roberts

Created on: December 16, 2008

It is not necessary to take a chicken pox vaccine. Contrary to what many health officials would have you believe, Chicken Pox is not something to get on edge about. And the vaccine does not always work and is a waste of money. As was the case with my son.
I took him to the doctor in September of 2007 for his three year wellness check up. The doctor said, "It's not a must, but I'd recommend giving him the chicken pox vaccine, just to be on the safe side." And since he'd had some other medical concerns due to some problems he had at birth, I was agreeable. Two days later, I wake up to find him covered from head to toe with tiny, itchy dots. The first thing I did was called the doctor's office and talked to the nurse. After giving her my son's information, she asked what I needed help with. At which point I replied, "You can tell the good doctor that the chicken pox vaccine he administered worked. My son is covered from head to toe!" We had a good laugh and she asked if I wanted to take him in to see the doctor. I told her that it wasn't necessary and that they couldn't do anymore for him there than I could do for him at home.

Overall, it lasted roughly about two weeks and the poor little guy was miserable. Needless to say, we wrecked havock on a big bottle of Oatmeal Body Lotion. I even called everybody I knew of that had small children and said, "He's got the chicken pox if you wanna bring your kid/s over so they can get it now and get it over with." Some of them took me up on the offer, since it's easier on them if they contract it at an early age.
Those who do not contract the chicken pox at a young age, can indeed contract them as an adult. And the older you are, the harder it is on you. Your overall health can also effect the way your body handles the chicken pox. That's why it's most generally better for a young child to get them. My dad has never had the chicken pox and when my son had them, we had to stay away from him completely because he's in his fifties and has a heart condition. Getting something as simple as the chicken pox could very well kill him.
So, my advice for any mother with young children: Forego the vaccine and let nature run it's course. They'll feel bad and run a fever for a few days, and you may have to do a little more, but the earlier they contract it, the easier they will overcome it. Here are some good-cheap home-remedies that won't heal, but they do help.

Use lots and lots of Oatmeal Body Lotion.
If you have any powdered milk and cooking oats laying around, make a warm bath and mix the two in the bath water. The oatmeal helps to subside the itching and the milk softens the skin.
If you have a small spray bottle, mix some baking soda in water, shake really good before each use, and spray on skin. This helps to dry out the pox and can also help with itching. You can also mix the baking soda and water in a bowl and dab on with a soft washcloth.

Learn more about this author, Valarie Roberts.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.