Chickenpox vaccine
Varivax
Target group:
The vaccine can be used to immunize adults and children from 12 months of age who want protection against chickenpox. In special circumstances, such as an outbreak, the vaccine can be given from 9 months of age.
Adults and children from 12 months of age who are immediate family members of a person with a weakened immune system who has not previously had chickenpox.
Adults who have not had chickenpox may consider getting vaccinated as the complication rate of the disease increases with age and because chickenpox in pregnant women poses a risk to both mother and fetus/child.
Vaccination dose:
A basic vaccination consisting of two doses is given.
Protection duration:
Primary vaccination provides protection for a number of years. Data is available for a protective effect for up to 9 years after vaccination, but protection is likely to be longer lasting. The final duration of protection is not clear but is likely to be long-lasting.