Should I get tested for chickenpox immunity?

[Mama383848]

When I had my first child I asked my parents if I’d had chicken pox - neither of them could remember! I got my child vaccinated before nursery and no issues. Considered it for myself too as understand it’s more dangerous as an adult but didn’t get round to it plus it was so expensive.

Now reaching the same age for my second child (I think it’s going to be offered on the nhs soon) and I’m just reminded of it all again. I’ve only just found out it’s not difficult to book a chicken pox test privately to see if you carry immunity. It’s around third of the cost of the vaccination.

Does it make sense to get the test? And if I don’t have immunity then to get the vaccine after my baby has had it? I’m minded to think that if neither of my parents remembers then I probably haven’t been ill with chicken pox. (My dad is a medical doctor too!) But surely I would have been exposed to it by now. 🤷‍♀️ Any thoughts appreciated!

I had the vaccine directly, but it was way cheaper where I live

I was in the same situation as you where my parents couldn't remember and I was pregnant and worried about catching chicken pox because I'd known people who'd been getting it in my area, so asked them if they would test for immunity and they agreed. Turns out I did have antibodies and it gave me peace of mind. So you might be able to get a test on NHS.

It must depend on area as my parents were pretty sure that neither me nor my Dsis had had it; I asked when I was pregnant with DC2 (obviously extra risk with DC1 being in nursery!) - the midwife did request an immunity test but it was refused.

I wonder now though if Dsis and I had mild cases that went unnoticed by our parents, wouldn't rule it out 🙄 as both of our DC have now had CP and neither of us caught it... I say that, but I ended up with two very itchy fluid filled spots at the same time as DC2 had it (who caught it from DC1) - so possibly a second v.v.mild case as didn't build up enough immunity the first time?! Who knows...

I need to get the immunity test as I have not had it I don't think. And also take an immune suppressant now.

The actual vaccine though - I was told its for over 70s, so would need to go private. But as always seems like it can vary around the UK anyway.

Were you not tested in pregnancy? I was I all 3 pregnancies (the most recent being 7.5 years ago) as I'd never had CP.

I live in the US and although I know I've had CP, in order to be allowed to go to a local college I had to either get the vaccination or show a positive immunity test.

My doctor recommended the immunity test on the grounds that if you have immunity there's no point having a vaccination.

It was very uncomplicated, and I now have it in my medical records.

I asked if I could be tested and the midwife said only if I had been exposed. I could have lied and said I was I suppose!

Anyway makes sense to get tested at least.