People who have not had chickenpox or who have not been vaccinated are at risk of getting sick if exposed to a person with chickenpox. However, infection can be prevented.
If you or your child has been exposed to someone with chickenpox or shingles, call your healthcare provider immediately and ask what you should do. The varicella vaccine can be given, even after being exposed to the virus. If you cannot take the varicella vaccine, there is another injection (brand name: varicella immune globulin/VariZIG) that can temporarily protect you from becoming infected