Disease it protects from

The varicella vaccine protects against varicella (chickenpox). It also helps lower your risk of developing shingles.

Who should get this vaccine

The following people can get the varicella vaccine:

• children starting at age 12 months who are not getting the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMR-Var) vaccine
• younger babies who are ages 6 to 11 months and are going to have an organ transplant
• anyone born before August 1, 2012, who has not had varicella or who had varicella before age 1 year (Adults need a blood test to check if they need the vaccine.)
• children born on or after August 1, 2012, who did not get a varicella vaccine as a baby

If you have had a stem cell transplant or have had CAR T-cell therapy (a type of cancer treatment), you may need to get this vaccine even if you have already had varicella or varicella vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if this vaccine is recommended for you.

Already had varicella

Depending on your age, you may still need this vaccine even if you already had varicella.

• If you had varicella before age 1 year, you are not protected and you need this vaccine.
• If you were born on or after August 1, 2012, you need this vaccine even if you think you have already had varicella. Because many people have been immunized since that time, you likely had a different rash or illness. If you were tested during your illness and it confirmed you had varicella, you may not need this vaccine. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions.
• If you were born before August 1, 2012 and had varicella at age 1 year or older, you are protected and you do not need this vaccine.

Who may not be able to get this vaccine

You may not be able to get this vaccine if:

• You have an allergy to any part of the vaccine. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you may have.
• You had a severe (serious) or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it.
• You have a weakened immune system (because of medicine you take or a health problem).
• You have a family history of a weakened immune system.
• You had a blood product in the past 11 months.
• You had another live vaccine in the past 3 months.
• You are pregnant.

If any of these apply, check with your healthcare provider or a public health nurse before you get the vaccine.

If you are planning to get pregnant, wait 1 month after having this vaccine before you start trying to get pregnant.

Although you can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness, such as a cold or fever, it is best to stay home until you feel better. This helps prevent spreading your illness to others.

Doses

People born on or after August 1, 2005, need 2 doses of a varicella vaccine. As of January 1, 2021, children get their first dose at age 12 months and the second dose at age 18 months. Any doses a child gets before age 12 months do not count as part of the 2 doses they need.

If you were born before August 1, 2005, you need 1 or 2 doses depending on when you got your first dose. Talk to a public health nurse about how many doses you need.

You may need an extra dose if you are going to have an organ transplant. Talk to your healthcare provider about how many doses you need.

Other vaccines that protect against the same disease

The MMR-Var vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. Most babies and children get this vaccine as part of the routine immunization schedule. Learn more about Alberta’s routine immunization schedule.

Get the vaccine

You can get the vaccine at your local public health or community health centre.

If you are eligible for just 1 dose of varicella vaccine and you want a second dose of varicella vaccine, you will need to pay for it. Contact a private immunization clinic or ask your doctor or pharmacist if they sell the vaccine.

How well it works

The protection is about 94% after 1 dose and about 98% after 2 doses.

Safety

Vaccine safety is a top priority. Canada uses extremely safe vaccines. Learn more about vaccine safety in Canada, including how vaccines are monitored for continued safety, and ingredients in vaccines.

Side effects

There can be side effects from the varicella vaccine. They tend to be mild and go away in a few days, but side effects can happen up to 6 weeks after having this vaccine. They may include:

• redness where you had the needle that may look red on lighter skin or purple on darker skin
• swelling, bruising, itching, a hard spot, or feeling stiff, numb, or sore where you had the needle
• a fever or chills
• a rash, including a varicella-like rash with water-filled blisters
• a sore throat, cough, or runny nose
• getting upset easily
• feeling tired or feeling unwell
• feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), stomach pain, vomiting (throwing up), or loose stool (diarrhea)
• a headache
• swollen lymph nodes
• body aches or sore joints

At least 1 out of 100 people who got this vaccine reported 1 or more of these side effects. In some cases, it is unknown if the vaccine caused these side effects.

It is important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.

It is rare to have a serious side effect after a vaccine. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.

How to manage side effects

• To help with soreness and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area where you had the needle.
• There is medicine to help with a fever or pain. Check with your healthcare provider if you are not sure what medicine or dose to take. Follow the directions on the package.
• People, especially those under the age of 18 years, should not take aspirin for 6 weeks after getting a vaccine that protects against varicella (unless your doctor tells you to take it) because it can cause serious health problems.
• If you get a rash that looks like varicella, keep it covered. If you cannot cover the rash, stay away from newborn babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system. If you have 50 or more spots, call Health Link at 811.
• Some people with health problems, such as a weakened immune system, must call their healthcare provider if they get a fever. If you have been told to do this, call your healthcare provider even if you think the fever is from the vaccine.

There can be mild, short-term side effects after getting a vaccine. Find tips to manage these side effects at home.