An unexpected rush on the chickenpox vaccine has depleted supplies, but makers say it will be available again in two weeks.

GlaxoSmithKline released a statement yesterday saying demand for the vaccine is uncharacteristically high compared with the usual requirements for this time of year.

'We believe this has been driven my recent media coverage around the importance of parents considering vaccinating against chickenpox,” says general manager Anna Stove.

'Winter is also the start of chicken pox season, so some increase is expected due to winter approaching.”

Anna apologises for the interruption in supply and says new stock is being air-freighted so the vaccine is available as soon as possible.

Bay of Plenty Medical Officer of Health Dr Phil Shoemack says the chickenpox vaccine currently costs around $50 and may be introduced to the New Zealand Childhood Vaccine schedule in the next couple of years.

Chickenpox is a viral illness caused by one of the herpes viruses called herpes zoster.

'Virtually every child gets infected with chicken pox in New Zealand one way or another,” says Phil.

'By the time we get to adulthood well over 95 per cent of people have been infected, even if they didn't know they had been.”
He says it is possible for people to develop chicken pox immunities, which normally last a life-time, without even knowing it.

Typically, chicken pox symptoms consist of a fever, runny nose, a cough and a general feeling of malaise.

Phil says the thing that differentiates chicken pox from other viruses is the scabby appearance of lesions on the body.

'They can occur all over the body but in most cases are present in the areas of the body that are covered.

'We don't know quite why but areas that are more exposed to the air seem to be less affected.”

Phil warns parents to seek medical advice if they have any concerns.