Chickenpox vaccine

What is chickenpox

Chickenpox (also called varicella) is a highly contagious viral infection. It is usually a mild illness that doesn’t last long in children. It can be more serious in adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.  

Chickenpox spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. It also spreads through contact with the fluid in chickenpox blisters.

What is the chickenpox vaccine

Chickenpox vaccines are injections that help protect people from chickenpox and shingles later in life.  

The ingredients teach the immune system to recognise and fight the virus that causes chickenpox, without causing the disease itself.  

Chickenpox vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against chickenpox and its complications. Staying up to date with your vaccinations gives you the best protection.  

Chickenpox vaccines on the NIP only come as combination vaccines that also protect against measles, mumps and rubella (MMRV vaccine).

You can find product information and consumer medicine information about chickenpox vaccines on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.  

Who can get the chickenpox vaccine

The vaccine is free under the NIP schedule for:

• babies aged 18 months of age
• people 19 years of age or under (as a catch-up vaccination)
• refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age (as a catch-up vaccination).

You must also have a Medicare card or be eligible for one. This includes babies and children.

If you are not eligible for the free vaccine through the NIP

Talk to your health professional about whether vaccination is recommended for you or your child. Most vaccines are available for private purchase with a prescription.  

If you buy the vaccine yourself, you will need to pay for it. The cost is not covered or reimbursed through the NIP.

Some vaccines not funded by the NIP may be funded by your state or territory. Check the immunisation schedule for your state or territory to find out more.

How the chickenpox vaccine is given

Costs

Some providers charge a consultation fee to give vaccines (including free ones). Check before you make an appointment.

Side effects

Most side effects of chickenpox vaccines are mild and do not last more than a couple of days. Serious side effects are rare.  

Common side effects include:

• pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• fever
• a rash 5 to 26 days after vaccination, usually at the injection site but sometimes elsewhere.

Occasionally, a lump may form at the injection site, which may last for weeks but no treatment is needed.

Find out how to manage common vaccine side effects. If you’re worried, talk to a health professional.

Checking immunisation history

You can get proof of vaccination for you or your child. Visit the Check immunisation history page to find out how.

Information for health professionals

If you are a health professional, visit our Vaccination clinical support for health professionals page for more information.

You can also read the Australian Immunisation Handbook chickenpox page.

Next steps

Talk to a health professional to confirm if the chickenpox vaccine is free or recommended for you or your child.

Find a health professional in your area or call your state or territory health department.

More information

• View our NIP resources.
• Watch our video called What is Chickenpox? to find out why childhood chickenpox vaccination is so important.
• Visit our Childhood immunisation site.
• Read the Varicella-zoster (chickenpox) vaccines for Australian children and frequently asked questions pages on the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia website.

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