Ask the VEC: Adult Chickenpox Vaccination

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Parents PACK

Q: If I am an adult who never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, should I get it now?

A: Yes. Chickenpox is much more likely to cause severe disease in adults than in children, so it’s important to get the vaccine. In fact, adults are 10 times more likely than children to be hospitalized with severe complications related to chickenpox, such as pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Children, adolescents and young adults that received only one dose should get a second dose, and previously unimmunized or unexposed adolescents or adults should get two doses separated by four to eight weeks between doses.
 

Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.

You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.