Key points
- Two doses of the chickenpox vaccine are recommended for children by doctors as the best way to protect against chickenpox (varicella).
- People who have never had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine should get 2 doses.
- Most people who get the vaccine will be protected for life and not get chickenpox.
Introduction
The best way to protect against chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. The chickenpox vaccine prevents almost all cases of severe illness. Instead of MMRV, some children might receive separate vaccines for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and varicella (chickenpox).
If a vaccinated person does get chickenpox, called breakthrough chickenpox, the symptoms are usually mild. Vaccinated people often experience fewer to no blisters and low or no fever, but red spots may occur.
Available vaccines
There are two chickenpox vaccines licensed in the United States. The chickenpox vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Your healthcare provider can give you more information.
Varivax®
- Contains only chickenpox vaccine.
- Is licensed for use in people 12 months or older.
- Can be given to children for their routine 2 doses of chickenpox vaccine at 12–15 months old and age 4–6 years old.
ProQuad®
- Contains a combination of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines, which is also called MMRV.
- Is only licensed for use in children 12 months–12 years old.
Recommendations
Children under 13 years old should get 2 doses.
- 12–15 months old
- 1st dose
- 4–6 years old
- 2nd dose
People 13 years and older who have never had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine should get 2 doses. The doses should be at least 28 days apart. People should also get a second dose if they have had only one chickenpox dose. Instead of MMRV, some children might receive separate vaccines for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and varicella.
After exposure to someone with chickenpox
Why getting vaccinated is important
Who should get vaccinated
Who shouldn't get vaccinated
The vaccine is safe and effective
The chickenpox vaccine is safe, and it is effective at protecting against chickenpox. Vaccines, like a medicine, can have side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own.
Two doses of the vaccine are about 90% effective at preventing chickenpox. When you get vaccinated, you protect yourself and others in your community, especially people who cannot get vaccinated. Since the chickenpox vaccination program began in the United States, there has been over 97% decrease in chickenpox cases. Hospitalizations and deaths have become rare.
Possible side effects
Most people don’t have any side effects from the vaccine. The side effects that do occur are usually mild, and may include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where the vaccine was given
- Fever
- Mild rash
Finding and paying for the vaccine
Your or your child’s doctor’s office is usually the best place to receive recommended vaccines. Vaccines may also be available at pharmacies, workplaces, community health clinics, health departments, schools, or religious centers.
Keep Reading:Where to Find Vaccines
Vaccine costs
There are a few ways to cover the cost of vaccines:
Health insurance
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. However, you may want to check with your insurance provider before going to a healthcare provider. Check for cost information and for a list of in-network vaccine providers.
Vaccines for Children Program
Your children may be able to get no-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. This program helps families of eligible children who may not be able to afford or have access to vaccines.
What are the childcare & school vaccine requirements?
All 50 states and DC have state laws that require children entering childcare or students starting schools to have certain vaccinations. There is no federal law that requires this. The ACIP recommends that all states require these groups to be up to date on chickenpox vaccine.
Students in school settings have a higher likelihood of spreading chickenpox because they are constantly in close contact with each other. Chickenpox vaccine prevents outbreaks in these setting, which means:
- Less illness and less school time missed by students.
- Less chance of exposing people who cannot get vaccinated.