Is it true that you can get chickenpox even if you get vaccinated?
Nowadays, thanks to vaccines, chickenpox (chickenpox) can be cured in many cases, even if children are concerned about it.“Can I get it even if I get vaccinated?” “Has my sibling been infected?”There are no parents who feel anxious about this.So, we asked Dr. Fukuhara (Daisuke Children’s Clinic), a doctor, about the basic knowledge of chickenpox, treatment methods, and even reference guidelines.
*Interviewed in December 2025.
Supervisiondoctor:
Daisuke Fukuhara(Daisuke Children’s Clinic)
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Graduated from Kyorin University School of Medicine. Engaged in pediatric medical care at Kyorin University Hospital Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Nishi-Chuo Saitama Hospital Pediatrics, Inagi City Hospital Pediatrics, etc. After that, he was involved in research at Uppsala University in Sweden, where he gained deep knowledge of pediatric medicine.
A doctor explains the basic knowledge about chickenpox!
Editorial department
What kind of disease is chicken pox?
Mr. Fukuhara
Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and is characterized by small, itchy rashes that spread throughout the body and are often accompanied by fever. It is highly contagious because it is transmitted through the air, and it is easy to spread in nursery schools and kindergartens.
Editorial department
Please tell me about chickenpox vaccination.
Mr. Fukuhara
Chickenpox vaccine, which can prevent chickenpox, is a routine vaccination for children aged 12 to 36 months. To increase the effectiveness, two doses of vaccination are recommended, and the first dose is generally given at 12 to 15 months of age.
Editorial department
Is it possible to get chicken pox even if you are vaccinated?
Mr. Fukuhara
Overseas outbreak surveys have shown that most cases of chickenpox that develop after receiving two doses of the chickenpox vaccine are “mild cases” with a small number of rashes and mild systemic symptoms.If children have not received the vaccine, they may develop a severe rash and high fever all over the body, but in children who have been vaccinated, the fever with little rash is mild and mostly temporary.
Editorial department
Why are we developing it even if we have a vaccine?
Mr. Fukuhara
Vaccines are highly effective, but they are not 100% effective. It may develop if your immune system weakens over time or if you are exposed to an environment with a very high viral load. However, to reiterate, the number of rashes and symptoms are mild compared to those who have not been vaccinated because the immune system is strong and “prevents the disease from becoming severe.”
I didn’t mind taking precautions!
Editorial department
What symptoms are most likely to occur if I have been vaccinated and contract the virus?
Mr. Fukuhara
People who have been vaccinated tend to have mild cases of chickenpox, which means they have fewer rashes, have milder fevers, and are less likely to become exhausted.
Editorial department
Would you like to recruit children who can return to kindergarten/school?
Mr. Fukuhara
The standard states that “when all the rashes have turned into scabs.” In mild cases, the rash quickly turns into a scab, but it can be difficult to diagnose because the rash also appears in areas that are difficult to see.
Editorial department
Is there any care that can be taken at home?
Mr. Fukuhara
If the itching is strong, scratching may leave marks, so it is effective to keep your nails short or cool the affected area to relieve itching. Also, if you have a persistent high fever, are not feeling well, or have a sudden increase in rashes, please come early.
Guidelines for treatment at medical institutions and entrance exams
Editorial department
Also, can it be treated and what kind of treatment is available?
Mr. Fukuhara
If treatable, anti-itch creams and antihistamines can help speed up the discomfort. If you have a lot of rashes, a persistent high fever, and your immune system is weak, antiviral drugs may be used.
Editorial department
When should I take the exam?
Mr. Fukuhara
We recommend that you participate if your rash is increasing, if you have a sibling who has chickenpox and the rash has started, or if you have a persistent high fever.
Editorial department
Is there anything I can do at home to prevent the spread of infection?
Mr. Fukuhara
Avoid touching the flare-up by avoiding sharing towels and underwear. First of all, this is the basics. Another preventive measure is to minimize close contact between siblings. Although it is difficult to prevent it completely, careful hand washing and good ventilation can reduce the risk of infection.
Editorial department
Lastly, please give a message to our readers.
Mr. Fukuhara
Even if you feel like you were infected even though you were vaccinated, it’s not because the vaccine didn’t work, but because it played its role properly.
Editorial department summary
The big advantage of the chickenpox vaccine is that by getting it, you will feel less sick if you get it, and you can take it lightly if you get it. Even if you have a rash or fever, it is unlikely to become serious, and in most cases you can recover quickly with proper care.
Clinic information
Daisuke Children’s Clinic
| location | 4-18-11 Tanashi-cho, Nishitokyo-shi, Tokyo |
| Medical subject | Pediatric surgery, pediatrics |
| Medical hours | Morning: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 8:30-12:00 Afternoon: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 14:00-15:00/15:00-18:00 *Reservation required from 14:00 to 15:00 |
| Closed days | Thursday, Sunday, holiday, Saturday afternoon |