Is it better for your child to get chicken pox than be vaccinated for it?

This is a question many parents still ask — often because chicken pox is remembered as a “normal childhood illness” that most adults survived without problems. You may even hear people say, “We all had it, and we were fine.”

But medicine, research, and our understanding of risk have changed. Let’s unpack this clearly and honestly. What exactly is chicken pox?

Chicken pox (also called varicella) is caused by a highly contagious virus. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with the fluid from the blisters.

A child is contagious before the rash appears and remains so until all blisters have crusted over — which is why outbreaks spread so quickly in schools and homes.

While many children experience a mild illness, chicken pox is not always harmless.

Why some parents think natural infection is “better”

The idea that getting chicken pox is better than vaccination usually comes from three beliefs:

• Chicken pox is usually mild

• Natural infection gives “stronger” immunity

• Vaccination is unnecessary for a childhood illness

These beliefs are understandable — but they leave out some very important facts.

The real risks of natural chicken pox infection

Most children recover well, but chicken pox can cause serious complications, even in healthy kids. These include:

• Severe skin infections, sometimes requiring antibiotics or hospital care

• Pneumonia

• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)

• Dehydration from poor intake and fever

• Permanent scarring from infected or scratched blisters

The risk is higher in:

• Babies

• Teenagers and adults

• Children with asthma or eczema

• Children with weakened immune systems

And once you’ve had chicken pox, the virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life as shingles.

What the chicken pox vaccine does

The chicken pox (varicella) vaccine helps the immune system learn how to fight the virus without your child having to suffer the illness itself.

In South Africa, the vaccine is not part of the government EPI schedule, but it is widely recommended in private healthcare and used globally.

The usual recommendation is:

First dose: from 12 months

Second dose: at 4–6 years

Two doses provide the best protection.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes. The chicken pox vaccine has been used worldwide for many years and has an excellent safety record. Most children experience no side effects. When they do occur, they are usually mild:

• Soreness at the injection site

• Low-grade fever

• Occasionally a few small spots weeks later

• Serious reactions are extremely rare.

Can vaccinated children still get chicken pox?

Yes — but it’s uncommon. This is called breakthrough chicken pox, and when it happens, the illness is usually:

• Much milder

• With fewer blisters

• Less fever

• Faster recovery

Importantly, vaccinated children are far less likely to develop complications.

So… is it better to get chicken pox or the vaccine?

From a medical and public-health perspective, the answer is clear:

It is safer to be vaccinated than to get chicken pox naturally.

Vaccination:

• Avoids unnecessary illness

• Reduces the risk of serious complications

• Protects vulnerable family members

• Limits school and community outbreaks

Choosing vaccination is not about fear — it’s about preventing avoidable harm.

A paediatrician’s closing thought

As parents, we want to protect our children while allowing them to grow strong and resilient. But resilience does not require preventable illness.

Chicken pox may be common, but common does not mean harmless. Vaccination offers protection without the risks, and that’s why many paediatricians recommend it for grade-schoolers today.

If you’re unsure whether the chicken pox vaccine is right for your child, have an open conversation with your paediatrician — informed choices are empowered choices.