Carteret County Schools -

Beginning in July 2003, a State campaign was initiated to encourage varicella vaccination of all pre-childbearing aged children who have not had chicken pox disease. Chickenpox is not usually life-threatening in otherwise healthy children. Nevertheless, it can be serious in adolescents and further down the road can be transmitted from mother to infant during pregnancy leading to serious consequences for the infant.

Children less than 13 years of age only need one dose of vaccine. Children 13 years of age or older need two doses of vaccine given at least one month apart. State vaccine is provided to children through their 18th year of age free of charge at the Health Dept. Vaccine, if given after 19 years of age, can be quite expensive.

To protect your susceptible child from chickenpox disease and its possible complications, check with your child's physician or the Carteret County Health Dept. concerning varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.

Clinic Hours at the Health Dept. are Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 11:00 AM and from 1:00 to 4:00 PM If you should have any further questions, direct them to Laura Glasgow or Debbie Dempsey at 728-8550.

Chickenpox: What to Look For !