Help Center
You’re receiving this notice because you are considered unvaccinated for chickenpox, based on reported vaccination status or refusal to report vaccination status. Though not mandatory, Grand Valley encourages you to do your part in helping to keep our community safe by receiving the recommended vaccines.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It can cause an itchy, blister-like rash.
The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. Everyone— including children, adolescents, and adults—should get two doses of chickenpox vaccine if they have never had chickenpox or were never vaccinated. For more information visit: The CDC Chickenpox (Varicella) webpage.
- Chickenpox used to be very common in the United States. In the early 1990s, an average of 4 million people got chickenpox, 10,500 to 13,000 were hospitalized, and 100 to 150 died each year.
- Chickenpox vaccine became available in the United States in 1995. • Each year in the United States, more than 3.5 million cases of chickenpox, 9,000 hospitalizations, and 100 deaths are prevented by chickenpox • The varicella vaccine can prevent chickenpox and is safe and effective for those 12 months of age and older.
The locations listed below are potential resources for obtaining the vaccine. The list is not all inclusive, nor is it intended to direct care to any specific provider or location.
- Your family health care provider
- GVSU
- Campus Health Center
- GVSU Family Health Center
- Local Health Departments
- Ottawa County Health Department
- Kent County Health Department
- Local Pharmacies