Chicken pox jab before getting pregnant?

[Umnitsa]

If you have not had chicken pox, would you get vaccinated before TTC?

I am planning to start an IVF cycle and the consultant recommended that as I am not immune I should get a chicken pox booster as is routine in the US. This would push the start of the cycle by half a year: it's a two-doze vaccine, and one should avoid getting pregnant at least for 3 months afterwards.

In fact, there is no clarity about how long one should wait before getting pregnant after the jab: according to the fertility consultant, I can start the cycle immediately, some sites recommend waiting at least a month, others at least 3 months.

As I am 41, I am concerned that even a small delay will decrease probability of a successful conception and healthy baby. But then I will never forgive myself if I do get chicken pox during pregnancy... What would you do?

Are you sure you are not immune - have you had a blood test to check for antibodies?

How easy would it be for you to avoid young children/people who have young children while you were pregnant?

If you're definitely not immune, and you often come into contact with people with babies and small children, I think it may be worth having the jab and waiting a month (I wouldn't wait 3 if some sites say 1 month, however I would wait one month simply because I think the body is more likely to be successful in IVF if not also recovering from a vaccine).

Thank you minipie and apologies for a delayed response - just back from holiday.

Yes definitely not immune, proved by blood test.

Thank you for sharing your view, a sanity check is helpful!