Varicella Vaccine (Varivax)

*Optional but highly recommended if no history of disease or previous vaccination.

Varicella or chickenpox is a highly contagious viral illness which causes a classic rash, fever, itching and fatigue.  It can be serious, especially in infants and adults if they develop secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).  Seven percent of all cases are among adults age 20 or older.

Currently children are immunized between 12 and 18 months; however, the vaccine can be given at any age.  For adults, the vaccine is given in 2 doses one month apart.  It is available at the local health department.

For more information see http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-varicella.pdf.