Parents Are Hosting ‘Chicken Pox Parties’ Instead of Vaccinating—But at What Risk?
In an unusual trend, some parents are skipping vaccines and hosting “chicken pox parties” instead. Organized through private Facebook groups, these gatherings aim to intentionally expose healthy children to the virus by interacting with already-infected kids. But just how safe—or risky—is this approach?
The idea behind these “pox parties” is rooted in parental skepticism about vaccines. Some parents believe that exposing their children to chicken pox at a young age could build “natural immunity” and spare them from getting the disease later in life, which can come with greater health risks. Instead of vaccinations, which they fear might carry side effects, they turn to these gatherings, where their kids can catch chicken pox naturally.
According to reports, some parents travel from out of state just to attend these parties.
So, how exactly do these pox parties work? Some parents have developed creative—if questionable—methods to ensure the virus spreads.
In one instance, hosts describe using a “tenting method,” where an infected child sits in an enclosed space, contaminating the air. Then, a healthy child is placed in that same area with toys to occupy them while they “breathe in” the virus. Another shared technique is the “Baggie Back-up Method,” where an infected child breathes into a sandwich bag, and a healthy child then inhales from it.
One host even encouraged “bonus points” for kids sharing snacks from the same bowl.
In this way, the virus is intentionally circulated, supposedly allowing kids to develop immunity after one illness. The gatherings have become social events, with hosts often receiving gifts like casseroles or rolls of toilet paper in thanks.
For parents opting for pox parties, “natural immunity” is often touted as the safer route.
However, experts argue that this approach is misguided and risky. Lindsay Diamond, founder of Community Immunity, explained, “There’s this emphasis on natural immunity being better than vaccine-delivered immunity. But you can achieve the same thing, or close to, with the vaccine without serious risks.” Diamond notes that while rare side effects from the vaccine exist, the complications of the virus itself can be far more severe.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) backs this up, highlighting that chicken pox can lead to complications like pneumonia, brain inflammation, or severe bacterial infections. Diamond also points out that vaccinated children have a lower chance of contracting shingles later in life, a painful condition caused by the dormant chicken pox virus.
Beyond the immediate risks to children, health experts stress that pox parties could harm entire communities. Diamond points out, “This is all focused on your child, but in reality, this is a community issue.” She explains that infected children could spread the virus beyond their homes, potentially exposing people with weakened immune systems in places like schools, grocery stores, and libraries.
One mom involved in these gatherings described her “busy schedule” for allowing people to visit her infected kids, and she promised to accommodate other parents’ schedules if her hours didn’t work. As Diamond notes, “These people then go out into their world,” creating opportunities for unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals to encounter the virus in unexpected places.
For some parents, the decision between vaccines and “natural immunity” remains challenging. However, health experts like Diamond argue that the vaccine is the best approach, providing immunity with significantly lower risks. Although the belief in “natural immunity” has gained some traction, the dangers of chicken pox complications outweigh the slim chance of side effects from the vaccine.
By forgoing the vaccine, parents may believe they’re doing what’s best for their children, but the larger implications could mean increased risks not only for their kids but for those around them.
What Do You Think? Are “Pox Parties” Worth the Risk?
Are pox parties a wise alternative to vaccines, or a risk not worth taking? Share your thoughts below on this controversial trend.
