Chickenpox vaccine (varicella)

Your MinuteClinic provider might ask you some questions about your health history and can vaccinate you.

1. Prior to scheduling your appointment, you may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

   If you made your appointment online:

   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:

   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:


   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

3. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
4. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send information about your visit to your primary care provider.

Chickenpox causes contagious blisters to form on the skin. Eventually, the fluid-filled blisters break, leak, crust and scab. The virus can also cause fever, headache and loss of appetite. Symptoms typically appear 10 to 21 days after exposure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the chickenpox vaccine for children, teens and adults who've never had the disease or never been vaccinated. The first dose is typically given to babies 12 to 15 months old. The second vaccination is recommended for children 4 to 6 years old.

Those 13 or older needing to be vaccinated should get two doses spaced at least 28 days apart. Immunization is recommended for teens and adults at the greatest risk of exposure, including:

• College students
• Health care providers
• International travelers
• Military personnel
• Non-pregnant women during their childbearing years
• Nursing home residents
• Teachers and child care workers
• Teens and adults who share homes or apartments with children

The varicella vaccine is 90% effective against infection and disease spread but is not recommended for everyone. Those who should avoid the chickenpox vaccine include:

• Anyone experiencing a severe allergic reaction to their first dose
• Anyone immunized with a live vaccine during the past 4 weeks
• Anyone with an illness (more severe than a cold)
• Patients living with HIV/AIDS and other immune system disorders
• Patients recently receiving a blood transfusion
• Patients undergoing cancer treatment
• People allergic to any vaccine ingredients
• People taking medications affecting their immune system

The chickenpox vaccine can be given by itself or in combination with other vaccines on the same day. However, your provider may recommend that you do not get more than two live vaccines during the same visit. The chickenpox vaccine is sometimes given at the same time as the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR). Children up to the age of 13 typically qualify for the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine.

Like any vaccine or medication, side effects are possible. Most are mild and clear up quickly. As the immune system builds its defenses, you might notice a slight rash, low-grade fever or temporary discomfort. About 2% of children receiving the vaccine develop a mild case of chickenpox.