Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccination

Important vaccination information for parents

Age
11-14 months (1st dose), 15-23 months (2nd dose)
Duration
~15 minutes (per dose)
Performed by
Pediatrician

What happens during this examination?

  • Injection given into the upper arm or thigh muscle.
  • Protects against varicella-zoster virus causing chickenpox (shingles later in life).
  • First dose at 11-14 months, second dose at 15-23 months (can be given as MMRV combination).
  • Vaccination prevents severe chickenpox complications: pneumonia, encephalitis, bacterial superinfection.

Preparation Tips

  • Bring the vaccination record booklet.
  • Inform doctor if child has any immune system problems.
  • Do not give aspirin or salicylates for 6 weeks after vaccination (Reye's syndrome risk).

Questions for your doctor

  • Can vaccinated children still get chickenpox? (Breakthrough infection is milder)
  • What if my child gets a rash after vaccination?
  • Can varicella vaccine cause shingles? (Much less than natural infection)

When to call the doctor

  • Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or vaccine component (gelatin, neomycin).
  • Pregnancy (live vaccine, wait until after delivery).
  • Severe immunodeficiency (leukemia, lymphoma, chemotherapy, HIV with low CD4).
  • Untreated active tuberculosis.

Parent Tips

  • A mild rash (usually 5-10 spots) may appear 5-26 days after vaccination.
  • Fever is common; use paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed.
  • Children can play normally; vaccine-strain virus is very rarely contagious (only if rash develops, then cover lesions).
  • Two doses provide 98% effectiveness against chickenpox.

Vaccination Schedule

According to the STIKO recommendation, this vaccination is given at: 11-14 months (1st dose), 15-23 months (2nd dose)

Always consult your pediatrician for individual advice.
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