Why is varicella vaccine required

Kids 13 years or older should get their 2 vaccine doses 1 to 2 months apart. Sometimes the varicella vaccine is given in combination with the vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella , in a vaccine called MMRV.

Kids up to 13 years old can get this vaccine. Chickenpox used to be common in the US, causing many hospitalizations and even deaths. Since the vaccine was introduced in , it has prevented millions of infections every year.

It prevents severe illness in almost all kids who are vaccinated. It's also very effective in preventing mild illness. Vaccinated kids who do get chickenpox generally have a mild case.

If a person with no immunity to the virus is exposed to someone with chickenpox or shingles, they are likely to get infected because the virus is so contagious. Giving the vaccine within 3 to 5 days after exposure can help to prevent the infection. Possible mild effects are tenderness and redness where the shot was given, fever, tiredness, and a varicella-like illness. The vaccine stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies that will help protect against chickenpox.

Read more about chickenpox vaccine side effects. Read more about who should have the chickenpox vaccine. It's been shown that 9 out of 10 children vaccinated with a single dose will develop immunity against chickenpox.

Having 2 doses is recommended, as this gives an even better immune response. The vaccination is not quite as effective after childhood. It's estimated that three-quarters of teenagers and adults who are vaccinated will become immune to chickenpox. Read answers to common questions about the chickenpox vaccine.

Page last reviewed: 24 January Next review due: 24 January Chickenpox vaccine overview. The chickenpox vaccine is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule. Who is at risk from chickenpox? Return to State Mandates on Immunization main page. Child care. Elementary school. Second dose requirement. Varicella vaccine required? Date implemented. Required for elementary school students? Is dose 2 required?

Required if VAR 1 is given at age 13 yrs or older? CC 4—6yrs; new enrollees in Kg— Signifies progressive implementation in successive grades e.

Michigan's mandate also extends to all other students changing school districts; Louisiana's mandate also extends to 11 and 12 year-old students in grades other than grade 6.

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