I'm starting to run into a real big problem. I'm 27, and never had the chickenpox, and I cannot find ANYWHERE that offers the adult vaccination. My school wants me to have the vaccines done before our clinical rotations start in February. And I'm all for it as well, since I'd rather not take the risk of serious complications that can arise from an adult contracting it. On top of this, you are not allowed to miss ANY clinical days or you are dropped from the program, so if I were to contract it, that'd be the end of me being in the nursing program.
I've tried my doctor, nearly every health unit in the phone book, random doctor's offices all throughout the phone book, and I've called the hospital and was given more phone numbers of places that may carry it, and I get the same answer everytime, "nope, sorry, we don't carry it". I went through this with my meningitis shot too, NO ONE offered it to adults here, but I finally found a place that did (for $150) and it had to be ordered. I finally got that one done. However, even that clinic does not carry the chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine for adults.
Any suggestions?? I swear, I feel like I may have to jump states just to find a doctor that'll offer it!
Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The virus spreads easily from people with chickenpox to others who have never had the disease or received the chickenpox vaccine. The virus spreads in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by touching or breathing in the virus particles that come from chickenpox blisters.
Chickenpox can also be spread from people with shingles. Varicella-zoster virus also causes shingles. A person with shingles can spread the virus to others who have never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine. In these cases, the exposed person might develop chickenpox.
How does licking a lollipop sent via the mail bring one into contact with active blisters of chicken pox or shingles?
OP what about an MMRV booster? That would contain the varicella vaccine. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to get a booster of the others, since it's probably been over 20 years since your last dose.
Interesting thought. I have to check, but I don't think the MMRV is recommended for adults. In our school system, we don't accept it for varicella immunity if the student is middle school age or older. They must receive the varicella only vaccine or present proof of chicken pox infection.
OP what about an MMRV booster? That would contain the varicella vaccine. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to get a booster of the others, since it's probably been over 20 years since your last dose.
Per the CDC:
Anyone 13 or older who needs protection from these diseases should get MMR and varicella vaccines as separate shots.
Thanks for all the info guys! FINALLY, I found a doctor that offers the shot and is willing to give it to me. It's $300, since I don't have insurance and I am paying out of pocket, which is insane. It's $150 for the office visit, and $140 for the vaccine. Jeez. My appointment is Monday afternoon, at a clinic over 2 hours away. What a hassle, but I'll just be glad to have it over with (at least, after I return in 4 weeks for the booster).
I paid the same price and it was in a public clinic here in Ca. It was the only vaccine that was expensive and not offered for free even by public clinics....All other vaccines I found for free or for very low cost at various clinics..
SweetOldWorld, BSN, RN
197 Posts
Certainly not by the respiratory route.