Children aged 12 months to <14 years are recommended to receive 2 doses of varicella-containing vaccine

• All children <14 years of age are recommended to receive 2 doses of varicella-containing vaccine, with the first dose given at 18 months of age. Children should receive this dose as MMRV vaccine. See Measles. 

• Children can receive varicella-containing vaccine from as young as 12 months of age. This can provide earlier protection against varicella, which may be appropriate in the context of travel or a varicella outbreak or childcare, or other circumstances of increased risk of transmission. A dose of varicella-containing vaccine given between 12 and 18 months of age does not need to be repeated at 18 months of age, but there is no safety concern if the child still receives the dose scheduled at 18 months of age. 

• One dose of varicella containing vaccine (MMRV) is funded through the NIP for children at 18 months of age. For details see the National Immunisation Program Schedule.

A 2nd dose of varicella-containing vaccine is recommended

• A 2nd dose of varicella-containing vaccine is recommended 

• Children 12 months to <14 years of age are recommended to receive a second dose of varicella vaccine ≥4 weeks after the first dose. 2 doses of varicella-containing vaccine provide more protection and minimise the chance of breakthrough varicella in children <14 years of age (see Monovalent varicella vaccine).1 However, a 2nd dose of varicella-containing vaccine for children is not included on the National Immunisation Program schedule

• If parents or carers wish to minimise the risk of breakthrough varicella in children <14 years of age, a 2nd dose of varicella-containing vaccine is recommended (see Vaccines, dosage and administration).

Adolescents Aged ≥14 Years And Adults

• The varicella vaccine is recommended for all non-immune adolescents aged 14 years as well as adults.
• Adolescents (≥14 years) and adults require two doses of varicella vaccine for adequate protection, administered at least 4 weeks apart, with a longer interval being acceptable.
• MMRV vaccines are not recommended for individuals aged 14 years and older due to insufficient data on safety, immunogenicity, or efficacy in this age group.

- While the chickenpox vaccine is generally safe and effective, like any other medicine, it can also have side effects. The most common side effects are usually mild and go away on their own, while severe allergic reactions following vaccination are rare cases. 5 The benefits of varicella vaccination may outweigh the risk of severe infections from wild-type chickenpox infection, especially for people who are at increased risk. 6

- Chickenpox easily spreads to those who have not been vaccinated or infected. One person infected with the virus may spread the disease to 90% of those nearby who lack immunity.

- It is recommended to use calamine lotion and take cool baths with baking soda or oatmeal to alleviate symptoms and prevent skin infections. It is also best to keep fingernails short to minimise scratching. Avoid using aspirin for fever relief, especially in children, to prevent the risk of Reye's syndrome. Instead, opt for non-aspirin medications like acetaminophen.

For people exposed to chickenpox, call your healthcare provider if the person:

• Has never had chickenpox and is not vaccinated
• Is pregnant
• Is at risk of serious complications, e.g., children less than one year old, adolescents older than 12 years of age, individuals who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system
• Develops any of the following symptoms:

• • Fever that lasts more than 4 days
  • Potential signs of bacterial infection, such as any part of the body becoming very red, warm, or tender, or beginning to leak pus (thick, discoloured fluid)
  • Difficulty walking
  • Frequent vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe cough
  • Rash with bleeding or bruising

- The most effective means of preventing chickenpox is through the chickenpox vaccine. It is recommended that everyone, including children, adolescents, and adults, receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine if they have not previously had the infection or were not vaccinated.

- While most individuals develop lifelong immunity after getting chickenpox once, it is possible to contract the infection more than once. However, this is not a common occurrence. 4

- In a few cases, people who have been vaccinated against chickenpox can still get the disease. However, these cases usually have milder symptoms with fewer or no blisters as well as mild or no fever. They also tend to recover for a shorter period than people who are not vaccinated. 3

- Immunize.org recommends individuals who have never had chickenpox promptly receive the vaccine upon exposure to a person infected with the virus. Evidence suggests that administering the vaccine within 3 to 5 days after exposure may either prevent illness or reduce the severity of the disease. 

- Multiple studies have shown that people vaccinated against varicella had antibodies for at least 10 to 20 years after vaccination. In a separate clinical trial, children who received 2 doses of the vaccine remained protected 10 years after the vaccination. It is important to note, however, that two doses of varicella vaccine are assessed to be necessary to add improved protection, with a pooled estimate of 92% efficacy.