Can a 30-year-old receive the varicella (chickenpox) vaccination?

From the Guidelines

Varicella Vaccination for a 30-year-old

The varicella vaccine can be administered to a 30-year-old, as there is no upper age limit for vaccination.

• For individuals over 13 years without evidence of varicella immunity, two 0.5-mL doses of single-antigen varicella vaccine should be administered subcutaneously, 4--8 weeks apart 1.
• U.S. birth before 1980 is considered evidence of immunity except for health-care personnel, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons 1.
• If there is uncertainty about immunity, serologic testing can confirm immunity, although postvaccination serologic testing to verify an immune response to varicella vaccine is not routinely recommended due to the lack of sensitivity in detecting vaccine-induced immunity 1.
• A two-dose series of Varivax, a live attenuated varicella vaccine, is recommended for adults, with each dose being 0.5 mL, administered subcutaneously, and typically well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
• Adults with a history of chickenpox may not require vaccination, but serologic testing can confirm immunity if there is uncertainty.

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. Adolescents (≥13 years of age) and Adults Two doses are administered at a minimum interval of 4 weeks.

A 30-year-old can receive the varicella (chickenpox) vaccination, as the vaccine is indicated for individuals 12 months of age and older, and the dosing instructions include administration to adolescents (≥13 years of age) and adults. The recommended schedule for this age group is two doses at a minimum interval of 4 weeks 2.

From the Research

Varicella Vaccination for 30-Year-Olds

• The varicella vaccine is typically recommended for children, but it can also be administered to adults who have not been vaccinated or have not had chickenpox 3, 4.
• A study published in 2024 found that a live-attenuated varicella vaccine was safe and effective in healthy adults aged 13 years and older, with a seroconversion rate of 79.55% after two doses 3.
• Another study from 2002 discussed the development and launch of Varivax, a live-attenuated varicella vaccine, which was approved by the FDA in 1995 for use in children aged 12 months to 12 years 4.
• There is limited information on the specific use of varicella vaccine in 30-year-olds, but the vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in adults in general 5, 6, 7.
• The safety profile of the varicella vaccine has been reviewed, and it has been found to be generally safe and well-tolerated, with a low risk of adverse events 7.

Administration and Safety

• The varicella vaccine can be administered to adults who have not been vaccinated or have not had chickenpox, but the decision to vaccinate should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual's medical history and risk factors 3, 4.
• The vaccine is typically administered in two doses, with an interval of 4-8 weeks between doses 3.
• Common adverse events associated with the varicella vaccine include injection site reactions, fever, and rash 7.

Efficacy and Effectiveness

• The varicella vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing chickenpox in children and adults, with a significant reduction in the incidence of disease, hospitalizations, and deaths due to varicella 5, 6.
• The vaccine has also been shown to be effective in preventing herpes zoster (shingles) in adults aged 60 years and older 6.