Chicken pox vaccination?

[iismum]

DD (4) and I are set to head off for a dream trip to Thailand and Laos in 2.5 weeks. I just heard this morning that a child in her nursery has chicken pox, and now I am totally freaking out about her getting it! As I understand it, there's about a 6-day period between when the first spot appears and when you are safe to travel again?

I have heard there is a vaccination for chicken pox which is not routinely available on the NHS but which can be got privately. Does anyone know anything about this? What would happen if she's already been infected? Would it still help, or be no use? Would it take long for the immunity to kick in?

Any suggestions about what to do would be much appreciated!

The varicella vaccine is widely available where I live (ME), but it doesn't stop the child from ever getting chicken pox, just dilutes the illness iykwim.

Incubation period is up to three weeks so you will need to wait and see. FWIW, there was Chickenpox at DS's nursery in December but he didn't get it.

I would just make sure you ave your travel insurance arranged, as he would not be allowed to fly if he has blistery spots. Usually ok once there are all dry and scabbed over, typically 5-7 days but can vary.

If he has been exposed then the vaccine won't help, there is immunoglobulin but that is for at-risk patients - eg chemotherapy, pregnant women without immunity, not for social reasons like travelling.