the Arthur episode about chickenpox came out before the chickenpox vaccine was widely used in the US, so it’s not surprising that Arthur’s parents describe chickenpox as a normal childhood illness. the vaccine was introduced to the US in 1995, and the episode was being made the same year or early in 1996.
the interlude of the episode features children talking about how much it sucks to be sick, even if you might get to eat in bed or stay home from school—because you’re miserable the whole time.
I’m really glad i was lucky enough to have not had chickenpox in the time between birth and when I was offered the vaccine in 1999 because itching is sensory hell.
please vaccinate your children against this highly contagious illness that is sensory hell and can result in permanent scars. I’m really glad that our toddler has been vaccinated against it so she won’t have to suffer from it.
I had no idea the chickenpox vaccine was that recent, but looking back at my own immunization record (which I happen to have a copy of), I only got vaccinated for it in 1998, when I was eight years old.
I was never offered this vaccine. My parents deliberately exposed me to chicken pox when my older sister caught it, which was standard practice in the 1980s; younger children had less severe symptoms, it was understood, so early exposure to the disease was encouraged. I had it when I was six or so , and have a small scar on my arm from one of the welts I itched too much.
I only remember it dimly but I assure you, it sucked.We used to have chickenpox parties where if one child had it, all the other children in the village were taken round to play with them to get it over with.
I was born just when the vaccine became available. I’ve never had chickenpox. Though, there is a strong urban legend which I have no idea if it’s true that I’ll be sure to get it as an adult (different strains? idk) and it will be worse, since I never had it as a kid.
I remember almost nothing about having chicken pox, except the oatmeal baths. I was not deliberately exposed to it, but I do know that some of my friends were. The only one of my siblings who was vaccinated before they caught it was my youngest sister. I used to be worried about getting shingles someday, but apparently there’s a vaccine for that too now? Vaccination is wonderful, guys.
I had chickenpox as a child and then shingles in my early twenties. I definitely don’t recommend it. Vaccines are the best.
I had chicken pox when I was 10 or 11, so that would have been 1991 or 92, and I had a very mild case of shingles over winter break two years ago that was still terrifying because it was on my FACE right by my eye. 0/10 would not recommend. I wish I’d been vaccinated.
I had chicken pox when I was 10 and it was the worst case my doctor had ever seen. I had them everywhere – in my hair, down my throat, even, and I assure you, it absolutely was not fun. I don’t have scars fortunately, but yeah – get your kids vaccinated.
Meg's Mumbles 