Chickenpox Vaccine Near Me

The chickenpox vaccine, also known as the varicella vaccine, may reduce your risk of developing chickenpox. Learning more about what this vaccine does and who should get it can help you make an informed health care decision for yourself and your family.

Chickenpox vaccination: what everyone should know

Chickenpox, or varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. According to the CDC, the primary symptom of chickenpox is an itchy, blister-like rash that first appears on the chest, back, and face before spreading to the rest of the body. Other symptoms include fever and tiredness.

Having two doses of the chickenpox shot is about 90% effective at preventing chickenpox, which means it’s possible you may still get this disease after being vaccinated, adds the CDC. This vaccine is recommended for children, teens, and adults who have never had chickenpox and who have never been vaccinated for it.

Who needs the chickenpox vaccine?

The CDC recommends two doses of the chickenpox vaccine for children, teens, and adults.

Children are recommended to receive their first dose of the chickenpox vaccine between 12 and 15 months and the second dose between four and six years. The CDC adds that children may receive the second dose at an earlier age if it is given at least three months after the first dose.

Those 13 years and older who have never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine should get two doses spaced at least 28 days apart. The CDC says the chickenpox vaccine is especially important for certain populations, including healthcare workers, teachers, college students, nursing home residents, and international travelers.

Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you may need the chickenpox vaccine based on your health situation.

Who should not get the chickenpox vaccine?

You do not need the chickenpox vaccine if you have evidence of immunity against this disease, reports the CDC. Evidence of immunity includes being born in the United States before 1980 and a confirmed diagnosis of a history of chickenpox, among other reasons.

Other people who should not get the chickenpox vaccine, according to the CDC, include:

• Those who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the chickenpox vaccine or to any of its ingredients.
• Those who are moderately or severely ill at the time they are scheduled to have their chickenpox shot.
• Women who are pregnant.

Some people should check with their doctors before getting the chickenpox vaccine. According to the CDC, this includes:

• Those who have an immune system disease such as HIV or AIDS.
• Those who have cancer or who are receiving radiation or drugs to treat cancer.
• Those who recently had a blood transfusion.

Two types of chickenpox vaccines

There are currently two types of chickenpox vaccines licensed for use in the United States. The brand names of these vaccines are Varivax® and ProQuad®, according to the CDC.

Varivax®

Varivax® contains only the chickenpox vaccine. This vaccine is licensed for use only in adults, teens, and children aged 12 months and older.

ProQuad®

ProQuad® combines the chickenpox vaccine with the vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella. This vaccine is licensed for use only in children between 12 months and 12 years, says the CDC.

Getting vaccinated after you are exposed to chickenpox

If you are exposed to chickenpox, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated for chickenpox within three to five days of exposure. It adds that getting two doses of the vaccine is recommended even if more than five days have passed since you were exposed. Each of these doses should be separated by at least 28 days.

Childcare and school chickenpox vaccine requirements

Many states have laws in place that require children to be vaccinated against chickenpox if they are attending public school, private school, or a daycare facility. However, all states provide medical exemptions for the chickenpox vaccine, while some states also offer exemptions for religious and/or philosophical reasons, reports the CDC.

Your healthcare provider can talk to you in greater detail about whether or not your children should get the chickenpox vaccine based on your family’s religious and philosophical views and on your children’s medical histories.

How can parents pay for the chickenpox vaccine?

The chickenpox vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans, reports the CDC. If your health insurance plan does not cover the cost of the chickenpox vaccine for your children, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program may help. The CDC recommends contacting VFC directly to determine if you’re eligible to receive financial assistance through this program.