From the Guidelines
The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine can be administered as early as 12 months of age. The standard recommendation is to give the first dose at 12-15 months of age, followed by a second dose at 4-6 years of age 1. The vaccine, available as Varivax or as part of the combination MMRV (ProQuad) vaccine, helps prevent chickenpox by introducing a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus that stimulates the immune system to develop protection without causing the disease.
Key Points
- For children who miss the first dose, catch-up vaccination can be given at any age, with the two doses separated by at least 3 months for children under 13 years and by 4 weeks for individuals 13 years and older.
- The vaccine is highly effective, with about 85% protection after one dose and over 98% protection after two doses.
- Vaccination at the recommended age is important because chickenpox can cause more severe complications in older children and adults than in young children.
Administration
The recommended minimum interval between the first and second dose is 3 months for children under 12 years and 4 weeks for persons over 13 years 1. However, if the second dose was administered more than 28 days after the first dose, the second dose is considered valid and need not be repeated.
Vaccine Options
Both monovalent varicella vaccine and MMRV vaccine have been licensed for use in healthy children 12 months through 12 years of age 1. Single-antigen varicella vaccine is approved for use among healthy persons aged more than 12 months, and combination MMRV vaccine is approved for use in healthy children aged 12 months--12 years 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
VARIVAX is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of varicella in individuals 12 months of age and older. Children (12 months to 12 years of age) The first dose is administered at 12 to 15 months of age.
The earliest age at which the varicella vaccine can be administered is 12 months of age 2.
From the Research
Varicella Vaccine Administration Age
The varicella vaccine can be administered to children at a certain age to prevent chickenpox. The key points to consider are:
- The recommended age for varicella vaccine administration is between 12 and 18 months of age 3, 4, 5.
- Children who lack a reliable history of chickenpox should be immunized between 11 and 12 years of age 3.
- Susceptible children 13 years of age or older should receive two doses at least 1 month apart 3.
- There is no significant difference in vaccine effectiveness with age at vaccination, supporting the current recommendations for initial vaccination between 12 and 18 months of age 4.
Special Considerations
Some special considerations for varicella vaccine administration include:
- The vaccine can be given to immunocompromized children, including children with leukemia and bone marrow transplantation recipients, when immune function recovers 3.
- A second dose of varicella vaccine can be administered to children who have been previously vaccinated, and it has been shown to be well-tolerated and safe in this population 6.