Long-term funding solutions need to be addressed in 2025
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council this week voted 3-2 to approve the annual budget for 2025. The total expense budget for 2025 is $871.74 million.
The county’s budget has an ongoing structural deficit, a systemic problem that results from expenses growing faster than revenues. The approved budget addresses urgent and immediate needs; however, it does not encompass many areas where additional funding will be required in future years. The recommended property tax levy options, including 1% increases for the General Fund, Road Fund, Conservation Futures Fund (with banked capacity), and the Greater Clark Parks District Fund (with banked capacity), were not approved. The council voted to bank the capacity for each of the levies for potential future use.
County Manager Kathleen Otto recommended a budget to the county council that prioritized maintaining appropriate reserve levels, minimizing service impacts on residents, and addressing critical needs and liabilities.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all departments and elected officials for their budget submissions and for collaborating with me throughout the budget process,” said Otto. “I am continually impressed by the dedication to public service and deeply appreciate the ongoing efforts of all staff to ensure we deliver quality services to our community.”
Otto said she will hold planning sessions for the new council in early 2025 to develop strategies for addressing projected shortfalls in the 2026 budget process and beyond.
Information on the county budget can be found on the county website at clark.wa.gov/budget. Videos of the budget hearings will be available at clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings.
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Vancouver, Wash. – 2025 annual parking passes for county regional parks are now available for purchase. Daily parking fees are charged year-round at four county regional parks – Frenchman’s Bar, Lewisville, Salmon Creek and Vancouver Lake – and range from $2 to $8 depending on vehicle type. The daily parking fee can be paid at the fee booth when fee collection staff are present, via the Flowbird mobile app, self-pay stations or by displaying a valid annual parking pass. Washington State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass holders are exempt from the daily parking fee when they present their pass to fee collection staff and display the pass on their vehicle’s dash.
The annual county regional park parking passes are $30 and valid from the date of purchase through the 2025 calendar year. County regional parks parking passes are only valid for parking at the four county regional parks. Passes issued by other agencies, such as the Washington State Discover Pass and the city of Vancouver’s Marine Park parking pass, are not valid for parking at the four county regional parks where daily parking fees are charged.
County regional parks parking passes can be purchased online at clark.wa.gov/public-works/parking-fees or by calling 564.397.2285 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Additionally, passes will be available to purchase in person at the 78th Street Operations Center at 4700 NE 78th Street, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays in December (Dec. 9, 16, 23 and 30). Passes purchased online or via phone will be sent via mail. Accepted methods of payment include Visa and Mastercard. Passes can be purchased via cash or card at fee booths when staff are present. Passes cannot be purchased via parking meters or with a check.
Parking fees help provide funding to support parks maintenance and impacts of use such as garbage/waste management, restroom cleaning and facilities upkeep.
For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.
Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.
Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.
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Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health is extending the deadline to submit applications for a Public Health Advisory Council position representing the educational community. The term for the volunteer position begins as soon as it’s filled and ends Sept. 30, 2027.
The Public Health Advisory Council meets 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except the month of December. One meeting each quarter will be in-person at locations across the county. Members may also join council committees that meet periodically throughout the year depending on committee scope and priorities.
The Public Health Advisory Council reviews priority public health needs and makes periodic recommendations to the Board of Health to enhance community health and wellbeing. The council may provide community forums or establish community task forces, as assigned by the Board of Health. And the council reviews and makes recommendations to Clark County Public Health and the Board of Health for the annual budget and fees.
Clark County Public Health promotes healthy communities and environments, health equity, and disease and injury prevention. With community partners, Public Health works to promote healthier choices; ensure the safety of food and water; reduce environmental waste and contamination; and protect people from disease outbreaks through monitoring, early detection and swift response.
Those interested in an appointment to the advisory council should submit a brief letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000. Applications can also be emailed to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov. For questions about council participation and what to expect as a member, email PHACAdmin@clark.wa.gov.
The application deadline is 5 pm Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.
The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to the death of an off-duty Ridgefield police officer.
This individual died on 11/25/2024 in Ridgefield, WA.
The name of the decedent: Triber, Colin Age: 29 years
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Perforating gunshot wound of the head
Manner of death: Suicide
How the injury occurred: Shot self
Place of injury: Marina boat dock
Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Media release issue date: 11/27/2024
The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a collision at the intersection of Northeast Fourth Plain Boulevard and Northeast 117th Avenue on Nov. 21, 2024.
This individual died on 11/21/2024 in Vancouver, WA.
The name of the decedent: Childers, Zachary Age: 40 years
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Multiple traumatic injuries
Manner of death: Accident
How the injury occurred: Pedestrian struck by motor vehicle
Place of injury: City street
Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.
Media release issue date: 11/27/2024
The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a collision at the intersection of Southeast 117th Avenue and Mill Plain Boulevard on Nov. 13, 2024.
This individual died on 11/13/2024 in Vancouver, WA.
The name of the decedent: Armstrong, Dion James Age: 30 years
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): unknown
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Multiple blunt force injuries
Manner of death: Accident
How the injury occurred: Pedestrian struck by vehicle(s)
Place of injury: City street
Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.
Media release issue date: 11/27/2024
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County District Court’s DUI Court held an event today, Nov. 26, to kick-off National Impaired Driving Prevention Month which runs through the end of December. During the event, District Court representatives encouraged attendees to take a pledge to not drive while impaired from alcohol or drugs.
The event was held at the courthouse and included presentations from Target Zero and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). District Court Administrator Bryan Farrell also read a statement from Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
AllRise (formerly the National Association of Drug Court Professionals) describes the season between Thanksgiving and News Year’s Day as, “one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in impaired driving.”
The written pledge is on the county’s website. District Court encourages residents to take the pledge and encourage friends and family to do the same. Participants signing the pledge agree to:
- Protect lives by never drinking and driving or taking drugs that can impair driving.
- Be a good passenger and speak out if someone who is alcohol or drug impaired wants to drive.
- Encourage friends and family to drive alcohol and drug free.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Climate Project Environmental Justice Coalition will meet at 3:30 pm on Monday, Dec. 2.
The Environmental Justice Coalition (EJC) consists of 15 community-based organizations. The group is helping the county meet the public engagement and environmental justice requirements of new state Climate Change Planning legislation, in which the county is now required to add a Climate Element to its Comprehensive Plan. The legislation emphasizes that planning and policy decisions related to climate change do not impact us all in the same way. The EJC is one of three advisory groups supporting the county’s Climate Project.
EJC meetings are held at 3:30 pm the first Monday of each month. While EJC members typically attend virtually, meetings are held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in Room 698 of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join virtually through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/environmental-justice-coalition.
The meeting is open to the public and includes a brief public comment period. A recording of the meeting will also be available for viewing afterwards.
To learn more about county climate planning, sign up for project updates, submit a comment, review meeting recordings, or learn about future environmental justice coalition meetings, please visit the project website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.
The county’s Climate Project is being funded by a state grant. The Washington Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
Media Advisory
NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST
Participants asked to take a pledge to not drive while impaired
When: Tuesday, Nov. 26; Refreshments begin at 12:45 pm, program begins at 1 pm
Where: Clark County District Courtroom G2, 1200 Franklin St., Vancouver, Wash.
What: The DUI Court team invites you to join us for our first National Impaired Driving Prevention Month “kick-off” event to call attention to this important cause.
We’ll have a very brief program with speakers from Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Target Zero, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). After that, we’ll invite all our guests to join us in taking the pledge to drive alcohol and drug free.
Why: December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. AllRise (formerly the National Association of Drug Court Professionals) described the season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day as “one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in impaired driving.”
At Clark County DUI Court, we believe the fight to end alcohol- and drug-impaired driving starts with us. We’ve challenged our DUI Court participants to voluntarily sign a pledge to:
- Protect lives by never drinking and driving or taking drugs that can impair driving.
- Be a good passenger and speak out if someone who is alcohol- or drug-impaired wants to drive.
- Encourage friends and family to drive alcohol and drug free.
We hope our community will join our participants and team in signing the pledge.
Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants to fill three expiring positions and one vacant position on the Clark County Development and Engineering Advisory Board, DEAB.
The positions are for the following:
- Private sector professional engineer or planner
- Public-sector professional engineer or planner
- Construction contractor
- At-large/development work
Members shall be appointed or reappointed to three-year terms. Members are eligible for reappointment after their terms expire.
The advisory board reviews policy and county code changes and works on process improvement and fees with the Community Development and Public Works departments. The board’s recommendations are routinely forwarded to the Clark County Council for use by final decision makers.
The board consists of three private-sector planners or engineers; one public-sector planner or engineer; one construction contractor; one land developer; one Building Industry Association representative; one professional associated with commercial or industrial development; and two professionals associated with development.
The Development and Engineering Advisory Board, commonly referred to as DEAB, typically meets at 2 pm the first Thursday of the month in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
Anyone interested should submit a letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Applications also can be emailed to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5 pm Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.
More information, including meeting agendas and minutes, is available at www.clark.wa.gov/community-development/development-and-engineering-advisory-board.
Vancouver, Wash. – The iconic wood bridge over the East Fork Lewis River at Moulton Falls Regional Park has reopened. The bridge, trail and portions of the park were closed beginning this summer for work to protect and restore the bridge. A contractor made minor repairs to maintain the bridge’s structural integrity and refinished the bridge with wood stain to protect it from weathering.
More information about the park is at clark.wa.gov/public-works/moulton-falls-regional-park.
For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.
Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.
Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.
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Vancouver, Wash. – When preparing to gather for a holiday meal consider this: Clark County generates an average 35,000 tons of edible food waste each year. Tossing food in the garbage not only wastes money, but when food reaches landfills, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions that intensify climate change.
Small changes can have a big impact. By taking simple steps before and after holiday meals, residents can save money at the grocery store and reduce the consequences of wasted food.
- Simplify shopping: Food waste prevention starts at the grocery store. Avoid overbuying food by taking stock of what’s already available in the cupboards and using an online tool like “Guest-imator” to determine how much food is needed based on the number of expected guests.
- Celebrate leftovers: Send guests home with leftovers in reusable containers. Use leftovers to create new culinary combinations, such as using mashed potatoes to make shepherd's pie, adopting cranberry sauce as a festive topping for oatmeal, or boiling bones to create nutrient-rich bone broth for winter soups and stews. Freezing leftovers in air-tight containers can preserve the flavors of the holiday season for months.
- Store properly: Properly store groceries to minimize spoilage. Store dry goods in labeled air-tight containers. Store onions and apples separate from other foods (they emit a gas that makes other foods spoil faster). And whenever possible, purchase local and in-season produce which often lasts longer since it requires less transportation time.
- Compost scraps: Composting food scraps prevents bad odors and messes in kitchen garbage, returns beneficial nutrients to the soil, replaces the use of synthetic fertilizers, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Compost at the curb: Waste Connections customers in the cities of Vancouver and Ridgefield who have curbside organics service can put food scraps into their carts.
- Compost drop-offs: All residents can drop off food waste for free at a We Compost Community Hub location. Find locations on the We Compost Community Hubs webpage.
For more food waste prevention tips, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Elections Office beginning Monday, Dec. 2, will update its office hours to 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. The Elections Office is located at 1408 Franklin St. in downtown Vancouver.
Find more information about Clark County Elections at clarkvotes.org.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health’s Solid Waste Education and Outreach team encourages the community to celebrate this holiday season by properly disposing of items that cannot go in curbside garbage or recycling carts.
The holiday season often means more garbage and more types of waste. Community members can use the RecycleRight app and RecyclingA-Z.com to find local disposal options for hundreds of items, as well as view curbside collection schedules, sign up for service reminders, and receive information about holiday schedules and winter weather service alerts.
Follow these tips to ensure proper disposal of items that cannot go in curbside garbage or recycling carts:
- Batteries: Take batteries to designated disposal sites; do not place them in garbage or recycling carts. Batteries that end up in household garbage or inside of recycling carts can explode and pose a significant fire risk. Several retail stores across Clark County now offer free battery disposal for household batteries, including lithium-ion batteries and cell phones. Find locations at RecyclingA-Z.com or on the RecycleRight app.
Household batteries can also be recycled by covering each battery terminal with tape, putting them in a clear sealable bag and placing them on top of curbside recycling carts. Batteries accepted for curbside recycling include single-use and rechargeable AA, AAA, C, D, button batteries, hearing aid and watch batteries.
- Block foam: To recycle block foam, drop it off at Earth Friendly Recycling in Vancouver. Block foam can also be placed in curbside garbage carts, but it cannot go in curbside recycling carts.
- Air pillows, bubble wrap, bubble mailers and plastic packaging: These plastic film products can be placed in bins for recycling at many local grocery stores and all three Clark County transfer stations. Plastic film cannot go in curbside recycling carts because it can get tangled in the machinery that sorts recyclables.
- String lights: Holiday string lights can be taken to a specialty recycler or should be placed in the garbage. Holiday string lights cannot go in curbside recycling carts. Find specialty recyclers at RecyclingA-Z.com or on the RecycleRight app.
- Gift wrap and ribbon: Gift wrap with non-paper decorations, such as glitter, foil and plastic elements, should be placed in the garbage because the decorative pieces are not recyclable. Plain gift wrap that does not have glitter, foil or other non-paper decorations can be placed in curbside recycling carts. Ribbon should always be placed in the garbage.
- Electronics: Electronic products contain valuable materials that can be recycled and toxic chemicals that should be kept out of the landfill. Take electronics to a free E-Cycle drop-off location in Clark County. Find locations at RecyclingA-Z.com or on the RecycleRight app.
- Excess recycling and cardboard: Set out extra cardboard and other recyclables for free pickup on your regular curbside recycling collection day. Place extras in a cardboard box or paper bag; do not use plastic to bag extra recyclables. Extras can also be dropped off for free recycling at Clark County transfer stations.
For more holiday waste-reduction tips, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted its advisory at Lacamas Lake. While there is still a bloom at the Heritage Park boat launch, water quality has improved over the last two weeks and toxin levels are no longer elevated.
The warning signs posted at the lake are being removed. However as long as blooms of harmful algae are present, toxin levels could increase as conditions at the lake change. Public Health encourages people recreating in the lake to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas. Pets should not drink or have contact with water in areas of floating scum.
Public Health has concluded its routine monitoring of Lacamas Lake and other local waterbodies and swim beaches for this season. Routine monitoring will resume in the spring.
Public Health will continue to respond to public reports of algal blooms, which can be submitted on the Public Health website.
Vancouver, Wash. – The trail to the lower falls in Lacamas Regional Park has reopened after being closed since the beginning of the year.
An inspection last winter determined that there were major structural issues compromising the safety of the bridge along the trail. The bridge and trail were closed while parks staff applied for the environmental permits required for work near a stream in a forested area. The old bridge was demolished and removed, and a new bridge constructed in its place. The replacement bridge was constructed using weather-resistant materials to promote long-term durability and stability. This replacement enhances safety and restores a critical trail connection for park visitors.
For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.
Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.
Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.
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Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Commission on Aging will wrap up its 2024 workplan on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The meeting will include discussion about the 2025 workplan and a proposed comment letter about upcoming housing code changes. The Commission will celebrate 2024 by presenting the 2024 Silver Citizen Award to recipients Bev Jones and Larry Smith.
Commission on Aging meetings are currently held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Training Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join by phone or computer through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.
Commission meetings are carried on CVTV Channel 23/323 and online at www.cvtv.org. To see replay times, go to www.cvtv.org.
The Commission on Aging, supported by the of the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.
Vancouver, Wash. – Whooping cough cases continue to soar in Clark County, with 168 cases reported in the first two months of the new school year. Through October, 406 Clark County residents, mostly children, have been diagnosed with whooping cough – the highest number of cases among all counties in Washington.
And Clark County Public Health is now also seeing a rise in chickenpox cases among children, with three schools experiencing outbreaks since late September. So far this year, 50 cases of chickenpox have been reported, with 23 of those cases tied to the school outbreaks.
Most of the whooping cough and chickenpox cases are among unvaccinated children.
“We have vaccines that are safe and can prevent these diseases,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “The best thing parents can do to keep their children healthy and prevent them from missing time in the classroom is to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations.”
Children who get whooping cough or chickenpox cannot return to school until they are no longer contagious, which means students can miss a week or more of school. When a school has a chickenpox outbreak, students without evidence of immunity – either from vaccination or previous infection – can be excluded for 21 days from the last date they were exposed.
Not only will children who get sick miss time at school, they can also bring the illness home to their younger siblings and others who are at higher risk for complications from these diseases. Infants are at the greatest risk for severe illness and hospitalization from whooping cough. Infants, pregnant people, adolescents, adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications from chickenpox.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough – or pertussis – is a serious respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Early symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold: runny or stuffy nose, a mild cough, and a low-grade fever. However, one to two weeks after symptoms begin, people can develop violent coughing fits that leave them gasping for air afterward. Babies with whooping cough may not cough but instead have life-threatening pauses in breathing, gagging or gasping
People with whooping cough are contagious as soon as their first cold-like symptoms begin, so they can spread the illness to others before realizing they are infected.
People who develop symptoms of whooping cough should contact their health care provider for testing and treatment. Whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics, which can help reduce the severity of illness and prevent spreading the illness to others. People who live with someone who has whooping cough can also get antibiotics to help prevent infection.
Whooping cough vaccination is recommended for all babies, children, preteens and pregnant women. And adults who have never received a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine should get one.
Babies need three doses of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine, given at 2, 4 and 6 months old, to build protection. They then receive two additional doses as young children – one at 15-18 months old, the second at 4-6 years – to maintain that protection.
Preteens should get one dose of Tdap when they’re 11-12 years old to boost their protection. And pregnant women should get a Tdap booster during the third trimester of every pregnancy. This helps to protect the baby from whooping cough in the first few months of life.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus called varicella-zoster. Chickenpox is mainly spread through close contact with someone who has chickenpox.
Early symptoms of chickenpox include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite and headache, followed by a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters. People who have chickenpox are contagious one to two days before the rash begins and remain contagious until all blisters have scabbed.
Two doses of the chickenpox vaccine are recommended for children: one dose at 12-15 months old and a second dose at 4-6 years old. Two doses of the vaccine are 90% effective at preventing chickenpox, and the chickenpox vaccine prevents almost all cases of severe illness.