Chickenpox (Varicella)

If you have never had chickenpox or chickenpox vaccine, typical symptoms are:

• fever
• blister-like rash with severe itching all over the body
• loss of appetite
• tiredness

If you have been vaccinated for chickenpox, some people can still get the disease, but it is usually mild with fewer blisters and low or no fever.

More

• See the impact of the chickenpox vaccination program in the U.S.
• Read about the success of the U.S. chickenpox vaccine program.

In 2012, a 4-year-old girl with leukemia died from chickenpox. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get a serious case of chickenpox and may not be able to get the chickenpox vaccine. That’s why it’s important that these people be protected by herd immunity, meaning those who can’t get vaccinated are protected because those who can get vaccinated do. Herd immunity helps slow and can even stop the spread of disease, so there is a smaller chance that those who are not protected come into contact with the disease.

You can protect others by staying up-to-date on your vaccines. You should get two doses of chickenpox vaccine to prevent chickenpox.

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A fact sheet for parents that describes symptoms of infection as well as benefits and risks of vaccination.

NOTE: B&W (black & white), office printing PDF is Section 508-compliant.

B&W [2 pages] | COLOR [2 pages]

Some people are more likely to get a serious case of chickenpox. Call a health care provider if the person

• is older than 12 years of age
• has a chronic skin or lung disorders
• has a weakened immune system
• is pregnant
• has a fever above 102°F
• has any areas of the rash or any part of the body that becomes very red, warm, or tender, or begins leaking pus (thick, discolored fluid), since these symptoms may indicate a bacterial infection

Calamine lotion and colloidal oatmeal baths may help relieve some of the itching.

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