From the Guidelines
Yes, there is a chickenpox vaccine, which is highly effective in preventing the disease and its complications, with a recommended routine childhood vaccination schedule of two doses, given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age. The vaccine, called Varivax (varicella vaccine), contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, causing the body to develop immunity without causing the full disease 1. According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the vaccine is approximately 85% effective in preventing varicella after one dose and more than 95% effective in preventing severe varicella disease 1.
The introduction of the varicella vaccine has significantly reduced chickenpox cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, with estimates indicating a 71% to 84% decrease in reported varicella cases and a 92% decrease in varicella-related deaths in 1- to 4-year-old children 1. Even when vaccinated individuals do get chickenpox, they typically experience a much milder case with fewer complications, and side effects of the vaccine are generally mild, including soreness at the injection site, fever, or a mild rash.
Key points to consider include:
- The vaccine is recommended for all healthy children aged 12 months to 12 years, with a routine 2-dose schedule 1
- For unvaccinated individuals 13 years and older who have never had chickenpox, two doses are recommended, given 4-8 weeks apart 1
- The vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing varicella and its complications, with a significant reduction in disease burden since its introduction 1
- Breakthrough varicella disease, which occurs after vaccination, is typically mild and modified, with a reduced risk of serious complications 1
From the Research
Varicella Vaccine Availability
- There is a varicella vaccine available, which is a live attenuated varicella zoster virus (VZV) 2.
- The vaccine has been shown to be effective and safe, with universal vaccination almost eliminating varicella 2.
- The vaccine is recommended for children, including those who are immunocompromised, to enhance the immune response to the virus 3, 4.
Vaccine Effectiveness
- The effectiveness of the varicella vaccine has been studied in various populations, including immunocompromised children and those infected with HIV 4, 5.
- The vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing varicella and herpes zoster in these populations, with effectiveness rates ranging from 82% to 100% 5.
- The vaccine has also been shown to be effective in preventing breakthrough disease, although rates of breakthrough disease can still occur, even among highly vaccinated populations 6.
Vaccine Safety
- The safety of the varicella vaccine has been studied, with results showing that it is well tolerated, although there may be an increased risk of certain adverse events, such as grade 3 redness and swelling 3.
- The vaccine has been shown to be safe for use in immunocompromised children, although vaccination before immune compromise is often recommended as a strategy for some settings 4.