Health authorities around the world, including the CDC and AAP, recommend routine chickenpox vaccination for children. Here's what you need to know as a parent.
What Is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral disease that most children contract during childhood. The illness causes an itchy rash with fluid-filled blisters, fever, and general discomfort, typically lasting 7–10 days.
For most healthy children, chickenpox is mild, but it can lead to serious complications:
- Bacterial skin infections in the blisters
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation) — rare but serious
- Severe illness in immunocompromised children
According to the CDC, chickenpox leads to numerous hospitalizations each year, and the risk of complications increases with age.
What Do Health Authorities Recommend?
The CDC and AAP recommend two doses of the chickenpox vaccine as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule:
Two Doses of Chickenpox Vaccine
| Dose | Age | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dose 1 | 12–15 months | Given at the same visit as the MMR vaccine |
| Dose 2 | 4–6 years | Before starting school |
Catch-Up Schedule
Health authorities also recommend a catch-up vaccination for children aged 2–15 who have neither had chickenpox nor been vaccinated. This is important because the risk of complications increases with age.
Note: Check with your pediatrician about the recommended schedule in your area. Vaccination guidelines may vary slightly by country.
Why Is This Vaccine Important?
Health authorities point to several reasons:
Individual protection: Both one and two doses provide excellent protection against moderate and severe chickenpox. Two doses also reduce the risk of breakthrough infection (mild illness in vaccinated individuals).
Herd immunity: Children with weakened immune systems cannot receive the vaccine because it contains live, attenuated virus. By vaccinating healthy children, we also protect the most vulnerable.
Health equity: Making the vaccine part of public immunization programs ensures equal access for all families, regardless of income.
Cost-effective: Studies show that universal chickenpox vaccination is cost-saving from a societal perspective, due to fewer hospitalizations and reduced time off work for parents.
Global adoption: Over 40 countries have already included the chickenpox vaccine in their national immunization programs, including the United States, Australia, Germany, and many others.
Side Effects
Most side effects of the chickenpox vaccine are mild and temporary:
- Common: Redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site
- Some may experience: Mild fever, a rash with a few blisters (1–3 weeks after vaccination)
- Rare: Serious side effects can occur but are very uncommon
The vaccine has been in use internationally since the late 1990s and has a well-documented safety profile.
What About Shingles?
Chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus (varicella-zoster). After chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate as shingles later in life.
Studies show that vaccinated children have a significantly lower risk of developing shingles compared to children who had the actual disease. In the long term, vaccination is expected to reduce the incidence of shingles.
Health authorities also recommend that adults over 50 receive a shingles vaccine in a separate vaccination program.
What Does This Mean for You as a Parent?
If your child is under 12 months
The first dose is typically given at 12–15 months. Speak with your pediatrician about the schedule at your next well-child visit.
If your child is 2–15 years old and hasn't had chickenpox
Ask your pediatrician about catch-up vaccination. Your child can receive the vaccine at any age if they haven't been vaccinated or had the disease.
If your child has already had chickenpox
Then your child doesn't need to be vaccinated — they've developed natural immunity.
If your child is immunocompromised
Children with weakened immune systems cannot receive the chickenpox vaccine (it's a live vaccine). But these are exactly the children who benefit most from others being vaccinated, because it creates herd immunity.
Tip: Not sure if your child has had chickenpox? A blood test can determine whether your child has antibodies against the varicella virus.
Vaccination Coverage Requirements
For herd immunity to work effectively, at least 90 percent of children need to be vaccinated with two doses. Health authorities emphasize the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get chickenpox from the vaccine?
The vaccine contains live, attenuated virus. Some vaccinated children may develop a mild rash with a few blisters. This is usually much milder than actual chickenpox and shows that the immune system is responding to the vaccine.
Is the vaccine safe to give alongside MMR?
Yes. The first dose is commonly given at the same visit as the MMR vaccine at 12–15 months. There is also a combination vaccine (MMRV) that protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox in a single injection.
How much does the vaccine cost?
In many countries, the chickenpox vaccine is covered by public health programs or insurance. If you need to pay out of pocket, costs vary — check with your pediatrician or local pharmacy for pricing.
When should my child get vaccinated?
The standard schedule is dose one at 12–15 months and dose two at 4–6 years. Talk to your pediatrician about the recommended timeline for your child.
Stay Informed
Your pediatrician will keep you updated on any changes to the vaccination schedule. You can also find reliable information at: