SPANISH FORT, Ala. — According to a letter sent out to parents today, some children attending Spanish Fort High School have contracted chicken pox. Although chicken pox usually is not a serious illness, it often causes children to miss days at school and parents to miss work. In some children, chicken pox may cause more serious illnesses and may even lead to death.

A vaccine that can prevent chicken pox (Varicella vaccine) is now available and has been shown to be safe for children who are 12 months of age and older. This year, chicken pox vaccine is required for grades K3 through 6th grades only. Because of the nature of chicken pox, breakthrough disease can occur in vaccinated children and can spread to other students not in grades K3 through 6th grades. As a result, the Center for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends a second dose of Varicella vaccine for school-age children and adolescents 5-18 years of age. Unvaccinated children and children eligible for the second dose of vaccine should contact their private provider or County Health Department.

If your child develops a rash containing small blisters, please keep him or her at home until all the blisters have crusted over. Contact a physician if your child develops chicken pox and is prone to infection, has chronic skin or lung problems, takes aspirin regularly, or is being treated with steroids.

If your child has not had the Varicella vaccine or chicken pox disease, please contact your health care provider. The Varicella vaccine given within three days of exposure (possibly up to five days) can prevent the disease. This is also an opportunity for your child to receive other recommended vaccines to prevent disease, such as hepatitis A and B, meningococcal, Human Papillomavirus and Tdap.