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Chickenpox (Varicella)

Chickenpox Vaccine Resource Center

Varicella

Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). An infected individual could potentially spread the illness to 90 percent of susceptible household contacts. Varicella causes a systemic infection that results typically in lifetime immunity. It is transmitted from person to person by direct contact, inhalation of aerosols from fluid of skin lesions, or infected respiratory tract secretions that might be aerosolized.

The average incubation period for varicella is 14-16 days after exposure to rash. The period of contagiousness of infected persons is estimated to begin 1-2 days before the onset of rash and to end when all lesions are crusted, typically 4-7 days after onset of rash.

Two live attenuated varicella virus vaccines are licensed in the United States: single-antigen varicella vaccine and combination Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella (MMRV) vaccine. Both vaccines are licensed for use among healthy persons ages 12 months and older.

Routine vaccination using a two-dose series is recommended. Children should receive their first dose of varicella-containing vaccine at age 12-15 months, and a second dose between ages 4 and 6 years.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Resource Center

You will find below all of the resources you will need about the chickenpox vaccine. More will be added as they are published or released.

Information Paper Date
Chickenpox and the Chickenpox Vaccine Oct. 23, 2015
Standing Orders Date
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine (Pediatric)
May 15, 2023
Measles Mumps Rubella Varicella (MMRV) Vaccine (Pediatric)
May 15, 2023
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine (Adult)
May 17, 2023
Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) Date
Chickenpox Vaccine: What You Need to Know
Aug. 6, 2021
MMRV Vaccine: What You Need to Know
Aug. 6, 2021
Manufacturer Package Inserts Date
ProQuad (MMRV) (frozen)
Feb. 27, 2023
Varivax (frozen)
Feb. 27, 2023
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommendations Date
Chickenpox Vaccine
July 19, 2013
MMRV Vaccine
May 7, 2010

You also may be interested in...

Vaccination Coverage for Selected Vaccines, Exemption Rates, and Provisional Enrollment Among Children in Kindergarten — United States, 2016–17 School Year

Report
10/13/2017

This report summarizes 2016–17 school year MMR, DTaP, and varicella vaccination coverage reported by immunization programs in 49 states.

Notes from the Field: Varicella Fatality on a Cargo Vessel — Puerto Rico, 2015

Report
4/21/2017

Members of the crew of a foreign cargo vessel off the coast of Puerto Rico were quarantined and immunized against varicella (chickenpox) after a crew member died of varicella pneumonia at sea.

Chickenpox and the Chickenpox Vaccine

Fact Sheet
10/23/2015

This information paper describes the Chickenpox virus and the Chickenpox vaccine.

Guidance for Containment of Varicella Outbreaks

Policy
  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 10/15/2008
  • Type: Memorandums
  • Topics: Chickenpox

Policy for the Use of Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine

Policy
  • Identification #: 99-034
  • Date: 11/22/1999
  • Type: Memorandums
  • Topics: Chickenpox
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Last Updated: May 19, 2023
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