What Age Do You Get the Chickenpox Vaccine and How Many Doses?

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Creator: Liv Hospital
Published: 2026-01-01

Get the chickenpox vaccine at the right ages – two doses for optimal protection against chicken pox. Learn the recommended schedule for adults and children.

Aslı Köse

Valdori Content Team

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What Age Do You Get the Chickenpox Vaccine and How Many Doses? 4

Knowing when and how many doses of the varicella zoster vaccine to get is key to fighting chickenpox. Kids should get their first shot between 12 to 15 months old. Then, they need a second dose between 4 to 6 years old. For teens and adults who haven’t had chickenpox or the vaccine, two doses 28 days apart are needed.

The CDC suggests that people 13 and older who haven’t had chickenpox or the vaccine should get two doses. These should be 28 days apart. At Liv Hospital, we stress following these guidelines. It’s for your health and to help the whole community stay safe.

Key Takeaways

The first dose of the chickenpox vaccine is recommended for children between 12-15 months.
A second dose is recommended between 4-6 years of age.
Adolescents and adults who have not been vaccinated should receive two doses 28 days apart.
The varicella zoster vaccine is key to preventing chickenpox.
Two doses of the vaccine offer about 90% protection against chickenpox.

Understanding the Chickenpox Vaccine

The varicella zoster vaccine is a live, weakened vaccine. It helps prevent chickenpox. It also protects against shingles later in life.

What is the Varicella Zoster Vaccine?

The varicella vaccine is a weakened version of the varicella-zoster virus. This makes it safe but strong enough to trigger an immune response. This response is key to fighting off future infections.

Key characteristics of the varicella vaccine include:

Live, attenuated virus
Stimulates the body’s immune response
Provides immunity against varicella-zoster virus

How the Vaccine is Administered

The vaccine is given as a subcutaneous injection in the arm. It can be given alone or with the MMR vaccine, known as the MMRV vaccine.

The administration method is straightforward, making it accessible for individuals of various ages.

Vaccine Type	Administration Method	Combination Options
Varicella Vaccine	Subcutaneous injection	Standalone or MMRV combination
MMRV Vaccine	Subcutaneous injection	Combines MMR and Varicella vaccines

Types of Chickenpox Vaccines Available

There are two main types of chickenpox vaccines: the single varicella vaccine and the MMRV combination vaccine. The choice depends on age and health status.

The MMRV vaccine is great for kids. It saves them from needing more shots for different diseases.

Chickenpox Vaccination Schedule for Children

It’s important for parents to know the chickenpox vaccination schedule for kids. This helps keep them safe from this contagious disease. The plan is to give immunity early, which lowers the chance of serious problems from chickenpox.

First Dose: Ages 12-15 Months

The first chickenpox vaccine shot is for kids aged 12 to 15 months. This shot is key in starting their protection against varicella-zoster virus. The Canadian Immunization Guide says this dose is vital for early protection.

Second Dose: Ages 4-6 Years

The second dose is for kids aged 4 to 6 years. This booster shot is important for stronger immunity and less chance of getting sick again. It makes sure kids are fully safe from chickenpox.

The MMRV Combination Option

The MMRV vaccine is an option for kids. It protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. This vaccine makes getting shots easier, but talking to a doctor is key to decide what’s best for each child.

Vaccination Schedule Summary:

Dose	Recommended Age	Vaccine Option
First Dose	12-15 months	Varicella or MMRV
Second Dose	4-6 years	Varicella or MMRV

“Vaccination is a critical component of preventive care for children, and adhering to the recommended schedule is vital for ensuring their protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.”

By sticking to the chickenpox vaccination schedule, parents can protect their kids’ health. This also helps lower the virus in the community.

Chicken Pox Inoculation for Adults

Chickenpox is often seen in kids, but adults can get it too. If they haven’t had it or been vaccinated, they should get vaccinated. This helps keep them safe from the disease.

Vaccination Schedule for Ages 13 and Older

Adults and teens over 13 who haven’t had the vaccine need two doses. These doses should be 28 days apart. This is key for building strong immunity.

Adults need two doses of the vaccine, 28 days apart. This gap is important for the body to fight off the virus well.

Why Adults Need the 28-Day Interval Between Doses

The 28-day gap is not random. It’s based on science. The first dose gets the immune system ready. The second dose makes it stronger, for lasting protection.

Having the doses 28 days apart helps the vaccine work best. It makes sure adults are well-protected against chickenpox.

Catch-up Vaccination for Unvaccinated Adults

Adults who haven’t had the vaccine or chickenpox should catch up. This is very important for those at risk, like healthcare workers or those around kids.

Catch-up vaccination means getting the two doses 28 days apart. We urge unvaccinated adults to talk to their doctor about getting vaccinated.

Effectiveness and Impact of Chickenpox Vaccination

The chickenpox vaccine is very effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it’s about 90% effective. This means it helps a lot in preventing chickenpox.

Thanks to the CDC chickenpox vaccine, there are fewer cases of chickenpox. There are also fewer hospitalizations and deaths. This shows how big of an impact the vaccine has had.

The vaccine’s success highlights the role of vaccines in fighting infectious diseases. By getting vaccinated, people can lower their chance of getting chickenpox. They also reduce the risk of serious problems that come with it.

FAQ:

What is the chickenpox vaccine called?

The chickenpox vaccine is called the varicella zoster vaccine (VZV vaccine). It helps protect against chickenpox, a contagious illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

At what age do you get the chickenpox vaccine?

Kids usually get their first varicella vaccine dose between 12 and 15 months old. Then, they get a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. Adults who haven’t had chickenpox or been vaccinated might also need it.

How many chickenpox vaccines do you need?

The CDC says two doses of the varicella vaccine are needed. For kids under 13, these doses are 4 to 8 weeks apart. For adults and teens 13 and up, the doses are also 4 to 8 weeks apart, with a 28-day gap for those 13 and older.

Can you get chickenpox if you’ve been vaccinated?

Yes, you can get chickenpox even if you’ve been vaccinated. But, the illness is usually mild. The vaccine is very good at preventing severe chickenpox and lowering the risk of serious problems.

What is the MMRV combination vaccine?

The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). It’s used for the first and second doses in kids, making vaccination easier.

Is the chickenpox vaccine required?

The CDC recommends the varicella vaccine. Many states and countries require it for school entry. Always check local health rules to see if it’s mandatory.

Does the varicella vaccine prevent chickenpox?

Yes, the varicella vaccine is very effective against chickenpox. It has greatly reduced cases, hospitalizations, and deaths from the disease.

What is the recommended interval between varicella vaccine doses for adults?

Adults and teens 13 and older should get two doses of the varicella vaccine. These doses are 4 to 8 weeks apart, with a 28-day gap between them.

Can infants receive the varicella vaccine?

The varicella vaccine is recommended for kids starting at 12 months. Babies under 12 months usually don’t get it. They’re protected by antibodies from their mother if she has immunity to varicella.