How to get the varicella vaccine

Varicella vaccination prepares the immune system to recognise the virus that causes Chickenpox. It uses a weakened form of the virus, known as a Live Attenuated Vaccine, to prompt an immune response without causing typical chickenpox in most suitable recipients. Your clinician will review previous chickenpox illness, vaccination records, age, immune status, pregnancy and medicines before recommending it. A vaccine cannot treat an active chickenpox infection.

Take any vaccination records to the appointment and tell the clinician about allergies, immune problems, recent illness, pregnancy or plans for pregnancy. Ask how the recommended vaccination schedule applies to you and what mild reactions may occur. After vaccination, follow the clinic's advice and keep the record available for future visits. If you have been exposed to chickenpox or already have a rash, contact a clinician rather than arranging vaccination as though it were routine preventive care.

Seek urgent help after vaccination for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, collapse or another severe allergic reaction. Contact a clinician for a concerning rash, persistent high fever or marked illness. Before vaccination, ask for medical advice if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, seriously unwell or taking medicines that affect immunity, because a live vaccine may not be suitable in every situation.

Ask whether you need vaccination based on your history, which doses are advised, how to space them with other vaccines and what precautions apply at home. Confirm when to seek help for a reaction.