The Varicella Vaccine

The varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox, a disease that causes bumps and blisters. It spreads very easily. Many children recover without problems, but sometimes it can be very serious. It can cause infections of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis).

A chickenpox vaccine became available in the United States in 1995. Before the vaccine, one or two children in the United States died every week from chickenpox. Most of these children were otherwise healthy.

North Carolina Requirements for Children and College/University Students

The varicella vaccine is needed to enter child care programs, K-12 schools, and colleges and universities in North Carolina.

For younger children, the doses are usually:

• One dose between ages 12 and 15 months.
• A booster at age 4 to 6 years, before starting school for the first time.

Students starting college or university in North Carolina must have gotten at least one dose. If not, they are required to get one. Anyone born before April 1, 2001, is not required to get the varicella vaccine.

Children who have had a documented case of chickenpox may not need the vaccine. Their doctor should send a note to the school or talk with the school nurse.

See the official details of North Carolina's dosage requirements, including the varicella vaccine.

Recommended Doses for Others

See Varicella Vaccine Recommendations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Side Effects

The varicella vaccine, like all vaccines, can cause side effects. Most of them are mild and temporary.

Most people don't have any side effects from the varicella vaccine. If side effects happen, they most often include soreness, redness or swelling where the vaccine is given, or mild fever or rash.

Trustworthy Resources for More Information

• Chickenpox: The Disease and Vaccines (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
• Varicella After 25 Years of the Chickenpox Vaccine (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
• Varicella Vaccine Information Sheet (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Have questions about vaccines for your children?

As a parent, you want to make the best choices for your children. Doctors recommend vaccines because they protect your child from serious, preventable diseases. Many of these illnesses have no cure, so prevention is the best defense.

Vaccines are thoroughly tested, and serious side effects are extremely rare. Millions of children are safely vaccinated each year.

If you have questions, get real answers. Start a conversation with your doctor today.