How Many Doses of Varicella Vaccine Are Needed?

Quick Reference Summary:

Two doses of varicella vaccine are recommended for most children, adolescents, and adults who lack evidence of immunity to chickenpox.

Age Group	Dose 1	Dose 2
12-15 Months	First Dose
4-6 Years		Second Dose
7+ Years (catch-up)	First dose as soon as possible	Second dose 4-8 weeks later

Table of Contents

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

The varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox. Most children, teens, and adults who haven’t had chickenpox should get vaccinated. For children, this usually means two doses. This helps protect them before they start school, where chickenpox can spread easily. Adults often have trouble remembering if they’ve had chickenpox. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor. A simple blood test can check for immunity.

Why Two Doses?

Two doses provide stronger, longer-lasting protection than one dose. The first dose preps your immune system. The second dose, given a few weeks or months later (depending on age), reinforces this protection. Studies suggest two doses are about 90% effective at preventing chickenpox. Some experts believe two doses may also reduce the risk of shingles later in life, though more research is needed.

When to Get the Vaccine

The recommended schedule for children is:

Dose 1: 12-15 months old
Dose 2: 4-6 years old

For older children and adults:

Dose 1: As soon as possible
Dose 2: 4-8 weeks after the first dose. If doses are given less than four weeks apart, the second dose needs to be repeated.

Missed a Dose?

Don’t worry! You don’t need to restart the series. Just schedule the missed dose as soon as possible. Your doctor can help you get back on track.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Confirmed Prior Chickenpox: If you’ve had chickenpox confirmed by a healthcare professional or lab tests, you likely don’t need the vaccine.
Certain Medical Conditions: Some health conditions may make vaccination less advisable. Your doctor can determine if this applies to you.

Side Effects and Concerns

Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as:

Soreness or redness at the injection site
Low-grade fever
Mild rash

Serious side effects are rare. The benefits of preventing chickenpox usually outweigh the risks of these minor side effects.

Cost and Further Information

The cost of the varicella vaccine can vary. Check with your insurance provider and doctor’s office for cost information.

For more information, visit the CDC’s varicella website.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. Vaccination schedules may vary by region. Current research supports the two-dose schedule, but ongoing studies may lead to updated recommendations in the future.

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Chaztin Shu

I am an experienced journalist specializing in health and lifestyle topics. With a passion for exploring wellness trends and sharing insightful, researched content, I aim to provide readers with practical advice and the latest updates to support healthier living.