Final answer:
Children typically get chickenpox only once due to lifelong immunity, but the virus can reactivate as shingles later in life. Vaccination provides a safe and effective way to prevent an initial chickenpox infection and contributes to herd immunity.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing whether a child can get chickenpox more than once, it's important to understand the immunity involved. Once a person contracts chickenpox, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the body usually develops a type of immunity known as lifelong immunity. This significantly decreases the chances of contracting the virus again in the future. However, the virus can remain dormant in the body and may reactivate later in life as shingles, particularly when the immune system is weakened.
Vaccines play a vital role in preventing initial infection with diseases like chickenpox. The chickenpox vaccine, typically given to children, induces an immune response that prevents the disease and is usually long-lasting, sometimes requiring booster shots. It's important to vaccinate against these diseases not just for the individual's health but also for the community's health, contributing to what is known as herd immunity.
Despite some diseases like measles being much less common thanks to vaccines, they are not completely eradicated, and outbreaks can still occur. Vaccination is fundamental in preventing these diseases from becoming common again.