Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by a virus that is spread through the air and by touching an infected person.
The disease covers the body with itchy sores and blisters.
It can lead to infected blisters, bleeding disorders, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and pneumonia.
Chickenpox is a serious disease for infants and some adults, especially those whose immune system is weak because of illness or medications.
Children and adults with chickenpox are contagious before they have any symptoms.
Vaccination is the best way to protect your child and your family from this serious disease.
Vaccine Recommendations
Children should receive two doses of the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine or MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella) vaccine starting at age 1 year. Some teens and adults may also need the chickenpox vaccine if they didn't get two doses when they were younger.
