Vaccination
CDC recommends two doses of chickenpox vaccine for children, adolescents, and adults who have never had chickenpox and were never vaccinated. In children:
- The first dose is recommended at 12 through 15 months old.
- The second dose is recommended at 4 through 6 years old.
Two doses of the chickenpox vaccine are more than 90% effective at preventing the disease.
Some people who are vaccinated can still get chickenpox. However, the symptoms are usually milder with fewer or no blisters (they may have just red spots) and low or no fever.
When you get vaccinated, you protect yourself and others in your family and community. This is especially important to help protect people who cannot get vaccinated, such as those with a weakened immune system (body’s lowered ability to fight germs and sickness) or during pregnancy.
Vaccine basics for adults and for parents of infants and children
Learn about the impact of the program, findings, and related media resources
Vaccine recommendations and contraindications; composition, dosage, and administration; handling and storage
- Chickenpox Fact Sheet for Parents
- Chickenpox Vaccine Information Statement (English | Other languages)
- Combined Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella Vaccine Information Statement (English | Other languages)
- Varicella (Chickenpox) – Preventive Measures for Travelers