How does the Chickenpox vaccine work?
• The chickenpox vaccine helps decrease your risk of becoming infected with chickenpox. Those who have been vaccinated, but still get infected with chickenpox, may have milder symptoms. Vaccines work by causing your body to make antibodies against certain germs. Antibodies are special cells in your blood that protect the body and fight infection. After you receive the chickenpox vaccine, these antibodies remember the chickenpox virus. The antibodies become active and your body is better able to fight the germs. • The vaccine is made from live chickenpox germs that are weakened. It is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) and may be given into the leg or arm. The chickenpox vaccine may be given by itself or combined with other vaccines.
