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Australian Prescriber Vol. 28 No. 1 2005

Chickenpox vaccine

Chickenpox is a common childhood illness. Although most children recover, there can be serious complications.

After an infection, the virus never leaves the body. In later life, or in people with reduced immunity, the virus can reappear as shingles.

In Australia a vaccine against chickenpox is recommended for everyone who has not been infected. This vaccine is often given at 18 months of age.

The vaccine is given by injection. A skin rash may appear a few weeks after the injection, but serious side effects are rare.

Most people are protected against chickenpox for at least ten years after vaccination. Booster doses are not recommended at present. It is unknown if vaccination will prevent shingles in later life.

If the vaccination became widespread, it is still unknown whether it would prevent, or increase the risk of, shingles in later life.