Chickenpox (Varicella)
Information
Chickenpox (Varicella) is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. You are likely to catch chickenpox if you aren’t immune and come into contact with an infected person.
It is usually a mild disease of short duration in healthy children with symptoms such as slight fever, runny nose, feeling generally unwell and a skin rash that turns to blisters. However, it is more severe in adults and can cause serious and even fatal illness in individuals who are immunosuppressed.
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to help protect yourself from serious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus.
A full varicella vaccination course requires 2 doses, administered at least 4 weeks apart.
Who is recommended to receive a Varicella-containing vaccination?
- People aged 18 months to 14 years, who have not received 2 doses of the chickenpox-containing vaccine
- All non-immune people aged 14 years or older, particularly:
- healthcare workers
- childhood educators and carers
- People who work in long-term care facilities
Who is eligible for a free Varicella vaccination?
The Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) will provide one free varicella-containing vaccine to the following eligible people:
- Children at 18 months of age (not available in pharmacy)
- People aged up to 20 years who did not receive this vaccination in childhood
- Refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age if they did not receive varicella vaccination in childhood
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