Chickenpox - vaccine
Key points
- This vaccine protects against chickenpox, a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the chickenpox vaccine for children over 12 months.
- Chickenpox is a caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
- Chickenpox vaccine is required for school entry in a growing number of states.
Alternative names
Varicella zoster virus vaccine; Varivax; Vaccine - chickenpox
Definition
This vaccine protects against chickenpox, a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox is characterized by a rash that forms blisters and is generally mild. However, some children can develop serious, even life-threatening, complications from chickenpox.
Information
IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the chickenpox vaccine for children over 12 months.
People 13 and older who have not received the vaccine and have not had chickenpox should get 2 doses 4 to 8 weeks apart. Children who receive the vaccine before age 13 only need to receive 1 dose.
VACCINE INFORMATION:
Chickenpox is a caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is very common and highly contagious, occurring more often in the winter and spring. Generally, the infection is mild and not life-threatening, but there are thousands of cases each year in which people become seriously ill, requiring hospitalization, and some people do die from it.
STATE REQUIREMENTS:
Chickenpox vaccine is required for school entry in a growing number of states.
The following are generally considered acceptable proof of immunity:
- A history of having chickenpox
- Showing that you have had the vaccine
- Showing a blood test result that indicates immunity to chickenpox
BENEFITS:
The vaccine is highly effective for the prevention of chickenpox. However, a small number of people will still get chickenpox, despite having received the vaccine. Such cases are generally milder than those seen in unvaccinated people.
The chickenpox vaccine provides long-term immunity to the disease, and booster immunizations do not appear to be necessary, though this is still under study.
Chickenpox vaccine is also effective for the prevention of chickenpox in unimmunized children recently exposed to chickenpox (post-exposure immunization). Consult your doctor if you believe that your child has been exposed.
RISKS:
The side effects from the chickenpox vaccine are generally minor.
Some of the mild possible side effects include:
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.