age of first varicella vaccination
The duration of protection from varicella infection after vaccination with VARIVAX is unknown. Vaccination with VARIVAX may not result in protection of all healthy, susceptible children, adolescents, and adults. Before administering VARIVAX® (Varicella Virus Vaccine Live), please read the Prescribing Information. Ask your provider. Chickenpox vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Note: A “combination” vaccine called MMRV, which contains both chickenpox and MMR vaccines, may be given instead of the two individual vaccines to people 12 years of age and younger. The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends two doses of the chickenpox vaccine for most children. The first dose is given around age 1 and the second around ages 4-6. A single dose of the vaccine reduces risk of chickenpox between 70-90%, and two doses reduce the risk even more. The chickenpox vaccine is a live, attenuated vaccine and is not recommended for people with weakened immune systems. It is available as a single vaccine, and it is also available as part of the MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine). The chickenpox vaccine was added to the childhood immunization schedule in 1995. Children who have never had chickenpox should get 2 doses of chickenpox vaccine at these ages: 1  1st Dose: 12-15 months of age. 2  2nd Dose: 4-6 years of age (may be given earlier, if at least 3 months after the 1st dose). VARIVAX is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of varicella in individuals 12 months of age or older. Each dose is approximately 0.5 mL after reconstitution and is administered by subcutaneous injection. Children (12 months to 12 years of age): If a second dose is administered, there should be a minimum interval of 3 months between doses. 2 doses, to be administered with a minimum interval of 4 weeks between doses. People 13 years of age and older (who have never had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine) should get two doses at least 28 days apart. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated, and never had chickenpox, should receive one or two doses of chickenpox vaccine. After “breakthrough” cases of chickenpox continued to occur in children given a chickenpox shot at 12 months of age, in 2006 the CDC recommended a booster dose of varicella zoster vaccine for all children 4-6 years old. Data from a 2013 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey (n=18,264) showed that an estimated 78.5% of teens aged 13 to 17 years with no history of chickenpox had received at least 2 doses of the varicella vaccine. Chickenpox Vaccine Schedule. All children should get 2 doses of chickenpox vaccine starting at age 1. Some teens and adults may also need this vaccine if they didn't get 2 doses of the vaccine or chickenpox disease when they were younger. Chickenpox (varicella) is a disease caused by a virus. Most people with chickenpox get very itchy blisters and sores all over their body. •. Chickenpox is spread person-to-person through the air. It is very contagious. •. Chickenpox can be a serious disease, especially in babies and adults. The disease can cause serious skin infections, pneumonia, brain damage, and even death.
First dose is given around age 1 and the second around ages 4-6.