We have been made aware that several of our students have been diagnosed as being infected with chickenpox, some of whom have been immunised, and wish to bring this to your attention.

This virus is still contractable by children who have been vaccinated, although usually much milder than if they had not been.  The virus is spread through the air by infected people when they sneeze or cough, and by touching the chickenpox blisters then touching objects or other people. The illness starts 10 to 21 days after being exposed.

Many New Zealand young people will be either immunised against chickenpox, at 15 months and/or 11 years of age, or will be immune as they have had this common disease earlier in childhood.

Chickenpox symptoms include: small blisters (like a rash) on their skin, tiredness, fever, and general aches and pains. More information about chickenpox is available at https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/chickenpox

If you think your child has chickenpox, keep them at home and away from other children. First indication of the virus is often cold symptoms, aches and a feeling of being generally unwell.  If they are already sick, they should stay home for one week from the appearance of the rash until all the blisters have dried.

Thanks for your attention to this.  We have several families at school who have immune-compromised family members, so our vigilance is important.