Varicella Zoster: When to Give Chickenpox Vaccine to Older Unvaccinated Kids

As a parent, it's natural to worry about your child's health and well-being. One common concern among urban Indian parents is the risk of chickenpox, also known as varicella zoster, in older unvaccinated kids. While chickenpox is typically considered a mild illness in children, it can have serious complications, especially in adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.

What is Varicella Zoster?

Varicella zoster is a highly contagious virus that causes chickenpox in children and shingles in adults. The virus is spread through direct contact with an infected person's rash or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), varicella zoster is a common illness that affects millions of people worldwide each year.

Risks and Complications of Chickenpox

While chickenpox is usually a mild illness in children, it can have serious complications, such as bacterial infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that chickenpox can also cause birth defects if a pregnant woman contracts the virus during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Chickenpox Vaccine: When to Give it to Older Unvaccinated Kids

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) 2025 schedule recommends that all children receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine, with the first dose given at 15-18 months and the second dose at 3 month of the first dose till 12 yrs of age. However, if your child has not received the vaccine and is older than 6 years, it's not too late to get them vaccinated. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that older unvaccinated children receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine, with the second dose given 4-8 weeks after the first dose.

To book a chickenpox vaccine for your child, visit our Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine page or View Full Vaccine Catalogue to learn more about our vaccination services.

Benefits of Vaccination

Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from chickenpox and its complications. The chickenpox vaccine is highly effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization due to chickenpox. According to the CDC, two doses of the chickenpox vaccine are about 85-90% effective in preventing chickenpox.

Common Misconceptions about Chickenpox Vaccine

There are several common misconceptions about the chickenpox vaccine, including the belief that it's only necessary for young children or that it's not effective in preventing chickenpox. However, the AAP and CDC emphasize that the chickenpox vaccine is an important part of a child's vaccination schedule and can help prevent serious complications from chickenpox.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the chickenpox vaccine:

• Q: Is the chickenpox vaccine safe for my child? A: Yes, the chickenpox vaccine is safe and effective in preventing chickenpox and its complications.
• Q: Can my child get chickenpox even if they've been vaccinated? A: Yes, it's possible for your child to get chickenpox even if they've been vaccinated, but the illness is usually milder and less severe.
• Q: How long does the chickenpox vaccine last? A: The chickenpox vaccine provides long-term protection against chickenpox, but it's not known exactly how long it lasts.