Chickenpox parties have been making headlines recently after a soft play manager condemned a parent’s plans to host one at her venue. The controversy surrounding these parties has brought up questions about their safety and effectiveness. So, what exactly are chickenpox parties and are they still a thing?
A chickenpox party is where parents take their children to a setting, usually someone’s home, where another child has chickenpox. The theory behind these parties is that by exposing children to the virus at a young age, they will build immunity and be less likely to contract it as adults. However, while it may seem like a quick way to get the virus out of the way, experts generally agree that chickenpox parties are not a good idea.
Jane Coulson, owner of Play World in Gainsborough, recently made headlines for condemning a parent’s plans to host a chickenpox party at her venue. She expressed concerns for the safety of children with weakened immune systems who visit her play center, calling the act of deliberately exposing children to the virus “selfish.” And she’s not alone – many parents also spoke out against the parties, with one calling it “absolutely disgusting behavior.”
So why are some parents still choosing to expose their children to the virus at these parties? The main reason is the belief that contracting chickenpox at a young age is better than getting it as an adult, as it can be more severe and lead to complications. However, intentionally exposing children to the virus can be risky, and in some extreme cases, children have died.
Dr. Lawrence Cunningham, of the UK Care Guide, cautions against chickenpox parties, stating that while it may seem like a quick way for children to catch the virus, it can have serious consequences. He recommends the chickenpox vaccine as a safer alternative, stating that it can protect children without the risk of them suffering through the illness.
In the UK, the chickenpox vaccine is not routinely offered, but parents have the option to pay for it privately. However, it doesn’t come cheap – Boots offers two doses of the vaccine for £150. The vaccine may also be available for free to those in close contact with someone who has a higher risk of getting seriously ill from chickenpox. In 2023, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) suggested that the vaccine should be given to all children on the NHS, with two doses given at 12 and 18 months old. The final decision on implementing the program will be made by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, chairman of JCVI, believes that this could “dramatically reduce” the number of chickenpox cases in the community. When questioned about the implementation of the program, DHSC stated that a decision will be made “in due course.” But even with the availability of the vaccine, some parents may still choose to host chickenpox parties as they may believe that it is inevitable for their child to contract the virus.
However, Dr. Cunningham argues that this belief may be due to hearing stories from older generations when vaccines were not available. He suggests discussing vaccination with a GP to fully understand its benefits. In the US and Canada, the chickenpox vaccine is part of the childhood immunization schedule, and most children are protected from the virus by age six.
In conclusion, with the debate still ongoing, it is important for parents to weigh the risks and benefits of hosting or attending chickenpox parties. While some may believe that exposing children to the virus at a young age is a safer option, experts caution against the potential dangers and recommend the chickenpox vaccine as a better alternative. And with the potential introduction of the vaccine on the NHS, parents may soon have the option to protect their children from chickenpox without the need for parties.
