Preparing questions in advance can help parents to have more meaningful discussions with their child’s physicians. Parents may wish to ask their child’s doctor the following chickenpox–related questions:

1. At what age should my child be vaccinated for chickenpox?
   
   
2. How effective is the chickenpox vaccine? Will it provide life-long protection for my child?
   
   
3. What side effects may my child develop from the chickenpox vaccine?
   
   
4. I was vaccinated more than 10 years ago, should I receive another dose of the vaccine?
   
   
5. How serious is my child’s case of chickenpox?
   
   
6. How long will my child need to be out of school?
   
   
7. When can I expect my child’s symptoms to subside?
   
   
8. What steps can I take to relieve my child's symptoms?
   
   
9. Is my child at risk for complications from the disease?
   
   
10. How can I prevent scarring?
    
    
11. How likely am I and other members of my household to contract the disease?
    
    
12. I am pregnant, but have had the disease. Is it safe to be near my child?
    
    
13. Should I limit my child’s contact with older friends/family members who may be more susceptible to the disease?
    
    
14. I have never had chickenpox and am planning on having a child in the near future. Should I be vaccinated before I become pregnant?