Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine
- Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus.
- This disease can make a child very sick. Although uncommon, chickenpox illness can progress to pneumonia and brain swelling
- Chickenpox is a vaccine-preventable disease. Children are recommended to be vaccinated at 18 months of age.
- Adults can get very sick from chickenpox and sometimes need to be hospitalised.
The chickenpox vaccine is added to the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine to create the MMRV vaccine. The vaccine triggers an immune response that also provides protection against the chickenpox virus.
Some people who have been vaccinated against chickenpox can still get the disease. However, symptoms are usually milder with fewer scabs and mild or no fever.
Who should have the chickenpox vaccine?
Children should receive the chickenpox vaccine as part of their routine childhood vaccinations.
Adolescents and adults who have not already been vaccinated or had the disease should consider getting the chickenpox vaccine. This will protect them from getting chickenpox as an adult when symptoms can be more severe.
Getting chickenpox while in the first or early second trimester of pregnancy increases the chance the baby could be born with birth defects. Becoming infected with chickenpox during pregnancy also increases risk of serious and potentially life-threatening complications – chickenpox during pregnancy leads to pneumonia 10 to 20 per cent of the time.
When planning pregnancy, it is important to find out if you’re immune to chickenpox. If immunity is not detected, consider getting vaccinated before falling pregnant, so that you and your baby are protected during and after your pregnancy. You cannot receive chickenpox vaccine while pregnant.
Who should not have the vaccine?
The chickenpox vaccine is a live vaccine and therefore not recommended during pregnancy.
It’s also important to tell your doctor or immunisation provider if you have experienced:
- any severe (anaphylaxis) reactions to previous chickenpox vaccine
- anaphylaxis following any vaccine component.
What if I am travelling overseas?
The chickenpox virus is common in many countries other than Australia where vaccination for this disease is not routinely offered.
Travellers should consider being vaccinated for chickenpox.
If you are intending to travel overseas, check Smartraveller (external site) for updates about international chickenpox outbreaks.
Read more about health advice for Australians going overseas for work, travel or study.
Who receives the chickenpox vaccine for free?
Vaccination against chickenpox is recommended as part of routine childhood immunisation. It is provided free for all children at 18 months.
A free chickenpox vaccine is also available for:
- Anyone under 20 years of age who missed their scheduled childhood dose, and
- Refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age.
Note: Some immunisation providers may charge a consultation fee for administering the vaccine. You should check what the costs will be when making an appointment with your immunisation provider.
What are the risks?
Common side effects
Common side effects can include:
- generally mild and well tolerated, low-grade fever
- muscle aches
- soreness, swelling and redness and a small lump appearing at the injection site
- rash up to 5 to 26 days following vaccination (if this does occur, cover the rash and avoid contact with people who have impaired immunity for the duration of the rash).
Severe side effects
If you or someone in your care experiences a reaction you are concerned about, seek medical advice:
- see your doctor
- phone healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222
- visit your hospital emergency department
- call an ambulance.
What about after the vaccination?
If you develop a fever higher than 38.5 °C after vaccination, take paracetamol as directed depending on your weight and age. Never give aspirin to children under 16 who have chickenpox. It can lead to a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome, which affects the brain and can be life-threatening. Make sure you drink extra fluids and wear lightweight, loose clothing.
How do I report an adverse event?
The Western Australian Vaccine Safety Surveillance System (WAVSS) is the central reporting service in WA for any significant adverse events following immunisation.
If you have experienced an adverse reaction to a vaccine:
Where to get help
- For emergency or life-threatening conditions, visit an emergency department or dial triple zero (000) to call an ambulance.
- See your doctor.
- Visit a GP after hours.
- Ring healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
- Phone the Immunise Australia Program Hotline 1800 671 811.
Remember
- Chickenpox is easy to catch.
- Chickenpox can make a child very sick.
- Symptoms are worse in adults and can sometimes lead to hospitalisation and in extreme cases even death among people with low immunity.
Last reviewed: 12-01-2026
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.