At what age is varicella (chickenpox) vaccination typically administered in Australia?

From the Guidelines

In Australia, children typically receive the varicella vaccine at 18 months of age as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule, given as the MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) in a single injection. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality evidence available, which prioritizes morbidity, mortality, and quality of life as the primary outcomes 1. The varicella vaccine is highly effective in preventing varicella disease and its complications, with about 80-85% of people developing complete immunity after a single dose, and over 95% after two doses.

Key Points

• The varicella vaccine is administered at 18 months of age in Australia, as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule.
• The vaccine is given as the MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) in a single injection.
• A catch-up program is available for children aged 10-14 years who haven't had chicken pox or been previously vaccinated.
• For adults born after 1966 who haven't had chicken pox or been vaccinated, two doses of varicella vaccine are recommended, given at least 4 weeks apart.
• The vaccine works by introducing a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus to the body, allowing the immune system to develop antibodies without causing the full disease.

Evidence Summary

The evidence from the studies 1 supports the use of the varicella vaccine in preventing varicella disease and its complications. The most recent and highest quality study 1 recommends the use of the MMRV vaccine for children through age 12 years, and provides guidance on the administration of the second dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines at any age. The study also highlights the importance of considering provider assessment, patient preference, and the potential for adverse events when administering the vaccine.

From the Research

Varicella Vaccination Age in Australia

• The varicella vaccination is typically administered in Australia at 18 months of age, as part of the National Immunisation Program 2.
• A second dose of varicella vaccine is also recommended at 10-13 years of age 2.
• The vaccination schedule may vary depending on the individual's susceptibility to varicella and other factors, but 18 months is the standard age for the first dose.
• The use of combination vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, may also be recommended for children in this age group 3, 4.

Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety

• The varicella vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing varicella-related disease, with a vaccine effectiveness of 95% after two doses 5.
• The vaccine is also safe, with common adverse events including injection-site redness and fever 3, 4.
• Serious adverse events, such as aseptic meningitis and idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura, are rare and the risk is smaller than after natural infection with these viruses 5.

Cost-Effectiveness of Varicella Vaccination

• A study on an outbreak of chickenpox at a child care centre in Western Australia found that the average costs associated with each case were considerable, with direct costs estimated to be $54 per case and total costs estimated to be $525.73 per case 6.
• The inclusion of varicella vaccine in the Australian childhood vaccination schedule is expected to save the community a considerable amount in direct and indirect costs if high coverage rates can be achieved 6.