They're ugly, they're itchy and now, for most people, they're gone-those big red spots otherwise known as chicken pox. Since spring, parents have been trucking their kids to the pediatrician's office for the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. They have good reason: Until now, about 3.7 million cases have been reported annually in the U.S., causing 9,300 hospitalizations and 50 to 100 deaths.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a single dose of the vaccine for children I through 12 years old who haven't had chicken pox. Older children and adults who haven't contracted the virus need two injections. Although researchers are studying the drug's long-term effects, including the possible need for booster immunization, so far it has been judged 70% to 90% effective, with no serious side effects. Follow-up studies after six to ten years showed continued immunity in healthy children.
WHAT IT COSTS

The vaccine, produced by Merck, costs doctors about $39; your charge could also include an office visit and an extra fee for storing and administering the vaccine.

It's not clear yet which insurers will cover the vaccine, but chances are that those that cover other preventive care will also pay for the vaccine, says Richard Coorsh of the Health Insurance Association of America.

For instance, Aetna Health Plans, Cigna HealthCare and United HealthCare through its HMOs, already include the chicken-pox vaccine in plans that cover other immunizations. Many insurers pay 100% for immunizations or excuse them from deductible requirements, says Barbara Reynolds of the Centers for Disease Control.

As for the payoff, a study published last year in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimated that routinely administering the vaccine to children at I year of age would save $384 million a year in the U.S., including potential hospital costs and parental time lost from work.

Last updated Jan 4/07