Vaccination Services - Varicella (Chickenpox)

Chickenpox is often thought of as a mild childhood rite of passage, but it can be serious, particularly in adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. The varicella vaccine prevents it, and protecting non-immune teens and adults is just as worthwhile as vaccinating children.

What is chickenpox, and the vaccine?

Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral infection causing an itchy, blistering rash, fever, and feeling unwell. While usually milder in young children, it can cause complications, and it tends to be more severe in adults. The same virus also causes shingles later in life. The varicella vaccine prevents chickenpox or makes it much milder, and is given as part of the childhood schedule, with a second dose recommended for stronger protection.

Who is it for?

Varicella vaccine is part of the routine childhood NIP schedule. Catch-up matters for older children, teenagers, and adults who have not had chickenpox and are not vaccinated, since they remain at risk and can become more seriously ill. People for whom immunity is especially important include healthcare and childcare workers, household contacts of immunocompromised people, and women planning pregnancy (the vaccine is not given during pregnancy). Funding applies in many catch-up situations; ask the pharmacist.

Getting it at a pharmacy

Trained pharmacist immunisers may provide varicella vaccination to adults and to children above the state minimum age. The pharmacist screens you, checks your history (including whether you have had chickenpox), administers the vaccine, observes you for around 15 minutes, and records it on the Australian Immunisation Register. If you are unsure whether you have had chickenpox, vaccination is still reasonable, or a blood test can check immunity.

Safety and an important note

The varicella vaccine has a strong safety record. Common side effects are mild: a sore arm, low fever, and sometimes a few small spots. Because it is a live vaccine, it is not given in pregnancy or to significantly immunocompromised people; tell the pharmacist if either applies or you might be pregnant, and avoid pregnancy for the advised period after vaccination.

How it’s regulated in Australia

The varicella vaccine is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and funded under the National Immunisation Program, including for catch-up. Pharmacist immunisers administer it under state and territory rules and record doses on the Australian Immunisation Register, with recommendations from the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

Official sources

• Healthdirect: chickenpox
• National Immunisation Program schedule

If you have never had chickenpox or the vaccine, it is worth catching up. Use the button below to find a pharmacy offering varicella vaccination near you.