Chickenpox (Varicella)

According to the CDC, why should you get vaccinated?

Varicella vaccine can prevent chickenpox. Chickenpox can cause an itchy rash that usually lasts about a week. It can also cause fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and headache. It can lead to skin infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the blood vessels, and swelling of the brain and/or spinal cord covering, and infections of the bloodstream, bone, or joints. Some people who get chickenpox get a painful rash called shingles (also known as herpes zoster) years later. Chickenpox is usually mild but it can be serious in infants under 12 months of age, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system. Some people get so sick that they need to be hospitalized. It doesn’t happen often, but people can die from chickenpox. Most people who are vaccinated with 2 doses of varicella vaccine will be protected for life.[1]

Who should get the vaccine?

Older children, adolescents, and adults also need 2 doses of varicella vaccine if they are not already immune to chickenpox. 1

Do not need the vaccine if: 

• Born in the United States before 1980 (should not be considered evidence of immunity for healthcare personnel, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people)

• Previously diagnosed with varicella or herpes zoster by a healthcare provider[2]

How does getting the vaccine work?

No evidence of immunity to varicella: 2-dose series VAR 4–8 weeks apart if previously did not receive varicella-containing vaccine (VAR or MMRV [measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine] for children); if previously received 1 dose varicella-containing vaccine: 1 dose VAR at least 4 weeks after first dose[3]

Varicella vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.1

[1] Chickenpox Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) <https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hep-a.html> [accessed Jan 20 2020]

[2] Chickenpox (Varicella): For Healthcare Professionals <https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/hcp/index.html#assessing-immunity> [accessed Jan 20 2020]

[3]  Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule <https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html> [accessed Jan 20 2020]