infections
Varicella Vaccine
Administration of Varicella Vaccine
Vaccination against varicella is part of the routine vaccination schedule recommended for children (seeCDC: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age). The vaccine is given as an injection under the skin. Two doses are given: at age 12 to 15 months and at age 4 to 6 years. It is also recommended for all adolescents and adults who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine. It is given to them in two doses at least 4 weeks apart (seeCDC: Chickenpox Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know). Certain conditions may affect whether and when people are vaccinated (see alsoCDC: Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated With These Vaccines?). If people have a temporary illness, doctors usually wait to give the vaccine until the illness resolves. Because the vaccine contains live virus, it is not given to pregnant women, people with a weakened immune system, or people with cancer of the bone marrow or lymphatic system. 