The “very contagious” chickenpox is going around Auckland, the region’s public health service has warned, reminding parents that children can be vaccinated for free against it at 15 months old. On Tuesday, Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) posted on social media that chickenpox was “about” in the country’s largest city. Laurent Rozier/123rf Chickenpox is contagious for the two days prior to red spots appearing on the body, the Ministry of Health says. (file photo)According to the Ministry of Health, chickenpox causes small and itchy blisters on the skin that can become infected if scratched. (File photo)Children aged 15 months are eligible to receive one dose of the chickenpox vaccine for free, the ministry said.

Source: Stuff August 17, 2021 04:32 UTC