Chickenpox Vaccine
The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine provides lifelong protection against chickenpox for most people. Kids should get their first dose at 12 to 15 months and their second dose at 4 to 6 years. Adults without immunity to chickenpox should get two doses at least 28 days apart. Side effects are usually mild and severe reactions are rare.
Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine – Overview
The chickenpox vaccine protects against varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox—a highly contagious disease known for its itchy rash and fever. While chickenpox is often mild in children, it can lead to serious complications, especially in adults, infants, and people with weakened immune systems.
Vaccine Name and Type
Vaccine name: Varivax (single antigen vaccine)
MMRV combination: ProQuad (protects against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella)
Type: Live attenuated vaccine (contains a weakened form of the virus)
Who Should Get the Chickenpox Vaccine?
Children
First dose: Age 12–15 months
Second dose: Age 4–6 years
Older children, teens, and adults
If not previously vaccinated or infected:
Two doses, at least 4 weeks apart
Special populations
People who haven’t had chickenpox or the vaccine
Healthcare workers, teachers, and childcare staff
Women of childbearing age (but not during pregnancy)
Travelers to certain countries
People living with or caring for immunocompromised individuals
Effectiveness
1 dose: ~85% effective at preventing any chickenpox
2 doses: ~98% effective
Greatly reduces the severity of disease if infection occurs
Side Effects
Mostly mild:
Pain or redness at injection site
Fever
Mild rash
Rare:
Seizures (related to fever)
Severe allergic reactions
Risk of vaccine-related varicella in people with weakened immune systems (why they generally shouldn’t receive it)
Contraindications
Pregnant women
People with severe immunosuppression
Allergy to vaccine components (e.g., gelatin or neomycin)
Recent receipt of blood products or other live vaccines (consult provider)
Why It’s Important
Prevents:
Itchy, uncomfortable rash
Complications like pneumonia, skin infections, encephalitis
Hospitalization and death (especially in adults)
Reduces community spread
Helps prevent shingles (herpes zoster) later in life (since shingles results from reactivation of VZV)
