Varicella - Chickenpox Vaccination

Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella‑zoster virus. While it’s often mild in children, it can lead to serious complications—especially in infants, adults, and immunocompromised individuals. At Houston Vaccines, we’re committed to ensuring your family stays protected through timely vaccination, expert guidance, and compliance with all government requirements.


Recommended Varicella Vaccination Schedule

Age GroupDose Timing
Infants & ToddlersFirst Dose: 12–15 months
Second Dose: 4–6 years
Catch‑Up (Adolescents & Adults)Two doses, at least 4 weeks apart if never vaccinated or no history of chickenpox
Special PopulationsPregnant women should not receive the vaccine; people with severely weakened immune systems may need to delay; those with confirmed prior infection are exempt

Note: The varicella vaccine can be administered concurrently with other childhood immunizations, such as the combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine .


Why Vaccination Matters: Benefits of the Varicella Vaccine

  1. Prevention of Infection
    • The vaccine is about 90% effective at preventing any form of chickenpox and nearly 100% effective at preventing severe disease .

  2. Reduced Severity & Complications
    • Breakthrough cases (vaccinated individuals who get infected) are typically milder, with fewer lesions and lower risk of hospitalization.

  3. Herd Immunity
    • Widespread vaccination helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated (e.g., newborns, certain immunocompromised patients).

  4. Lower Healthcare Burden
    • Fewer medical visits, hospital stays, and lost days of work or school.


Government Requirements & Compliance

Texas state law and federal guidelines outline immunization requirements to safeguard community health:

  • School & Daycare Entry:
    • Children entering childcare, preschool, kindergarten, and seventh grade must present proof of two varicella doses or laboratory evidence of immunity.

  • Texas Immunization Registry (ImmTrac2):
    • Providers are required to report all administered vaccines to the statewide registry, ensuring accurate record‑keeping and ease of access for schools and physicians.

  • Adult Recommendations:
    • While varicella vaccination is primarily a pediatric schedule, adults without evidence of immunity must also receive two doses, especially healthcare workers, teachers, and other high‑risk occupations.

Houston Vaccines staff stay up‑to‑date with both CDC and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) mandates, ensuring your immunization records are complete and compliant.


The Houston Vaccines Advantage

At Houston Vaccines, we go beyond simply administering shots:

  • Personalized Scheduling & Reminders:
    Our patient portal and SMS reminders help you stay on track with dose timing for both infants and catch‑up vaccinations.

  • Expert Consultation:
    Our certified nursing team answers your questions about varicella, co‑administration with other vaccines, and potential side effects.

  • On‑Site Reporting:
    We automatically submit all immunizations to ImmTrac2, so you never have to worry about paperwork.

  • Safety & Comfort:
    Our clinics adhere to the highest standards of sterile technique, and our staff are trained in pediatric and adult vaccine administration. We monitor every patient briefly post‑injection for added reassurance.


Addressing Special Considerations

  • Pregnant Women:
    Varicella vaccination is contraindicated during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should complete vaccination at least one month before conception.

  • Immunocompromised Individuals:
    Live‑attenuated varicella vaccine may be deferred in those with severe immunosuppression; consult our specialists for tailored guidance.

  • Prior Infection:
    Documented history of chickenpox (clinical diagnosis or lab confirmation) negates the need for vaccination.


Possible Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and short‑lived:

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site

  • Mild fever (up to 101°F)

  • Transient rash (fewer than 50 small, red spots)

Severe allergic reactions are exceedingly rare. Our team is equipped to manage any adverse event.


Schedule Your Varicella Vaccination Today

Protect your family and comply with Texas immunization laws—book your appointment with Houston Vaccines now:

  • Online: houstonvaccines.com/schedule

  • Phone: (713) 555‑VAXX

  • Locations: Multiple convenient Houston‑area clinics open Monday through Saturday.

With Houston Vaccines, you gain peace of mind, expert care, and complete compliance—because your health is our highest priority.


Sources

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Varicella Vaccination Schedule

  • World Health Organization (WHO), Varicella Immunization Position Paper

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Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccination Schedule and the Role of Houston Vaccines

Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella‑zoster virus. While it’s often mild in children, it can lead to serious complications—especially in infants, adults, and immunocompromised individuals. At Houston Vaccines, we’re committed to ensuring your family stays protected through timely vaccination, expert guidance, and compliance with all government requirements.


Recommended Varicella Vaccination Schedule

Age GroupDose Timing
Infants & ToddlersFirst Dose: 12–15 months
Second Dose: 4–6 years
Catch‑Up (Adolescents & Adults)Two doses, at least 4 weeks apart if never vaccinated or no history of chickenpox
Special PopulationsPregnant women should not receive the vaccine; people with severely weakened immune systems may need to delay; those with confirmed prior infection are exempt

Note: The varicella vaccine can be administered concurrently with other childhood immunizations, such as the combined MMRV vaccine .


Why Vaccination Matters: Benefits of the Varicella Vaccine

  1. Prevention of Infection

    • The vaccine is about 90% effective at preventing any form of chickenpox and nearly 100% effective at preventing severe disease .

  2. Reduced Severity & Complications

    • Breakthrough cases (vaccinated individuals who get infected) are typically milder, with fewer lesions and lower risk of hospitalization.

  3. Herd Immunity

    • Widespread vaccination helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated (e.g., newborns, certain immunocompromised patients).

  4. Lower Healthcare Burden

    • Fewer medical visits, hospital stays, and lost days of work or school.

Learn more about all of our pediatric immunizations on our Childhood Vaccine Services page.


Government Requirements & Compliance

Texas state law and federal guidelines outline immunization requirements to safeguard community health:

  • School & Daycare Entry:

    • Children entering childcare, preschool, kindergarten, and seventh grade must present proof of two varicella doses or laboratory evidence of immunity.

    • See the Texas DSHS School Entry Requirements for full details.

  • Texas Immunization Registry (ImmTrac2):

    • Providers are required to report all administered vaccines to the statewide registry, ensuring accurate record‑keeping and ease of access for schools and physicians.

  • Adult Recommendations:

    • While varicella vaccination is primarily a pediatric schedule, adults without evidence of immunity must also receive two doses, especially healthcare workers, teachers, and other high‑risk occupations.

Houston Vaccines staff stay up‑to‑date with both CDC and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) mandates, ensuring your immunization records are complete and compliant.


The Houston Vaccines Advantage

At Houston Vaccines, we go beyond simply administering shots:

  • Personalized Scheduling & Reminders:
    Our patient portal and SMS reminders help you stay on track with dose timing for both infants and catch‑up vaccinations. Manage your appointments easily on our Online Scheduling.

  • Expert Consultation:
    Our certified nursing team answers your questions about varicella, co‑administration with other vaccines, and potential side effects.

  • On‑Site Reporting:
    We automatically submit all immunizations to ImmTrac2, so you never have to worry about paperwork.

  • Safety & Comfort:
    Our clinics adhere to the highest standards of sterile technique, and our staff are trained in pediatric and adult vaccine administration. We monitor every patient briefly post‑injection for added reassurance.


Addressing Special Considerations

  • Pregnant Women:
    Varicella vaccination is contraindicated during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should complete vaccination at least one month before conception. Refer to the ACIP Guidance for Pregnancy and Vaccination .

  • Immunocompromised Individuals:
    Live‑attenuated varicella vaccine may be deferred in those with severe immunosuppression; consult our specialists for tailored guidance.

  • Prior Infection:
    Documented history of chickenpox (clinical diagnosis or lab confirmation) negates the need for vaccination.


Possible Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and short‑lived:

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site

  • Mild fever (up to 101°F)

  • Transient rash (fewer than 50 small, red spots)

Severe allergic reactions are exceedingly rare. Our team is equipped to manage any adverse event.


Schedule Your Varicella Vaccination Today

Protect your family and comply with Texas immunization laws—book your appointment with Houston Vaccines now:

With Houston Vaccines, you gain peace of mind, expert care, and complete compliance—because your health is our highest priority.


Sources

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Varicella Vaccination Schedule

  • World Health Organization (WHO), Varicella Immunization Position Paper

  • Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), School Entry Requirements

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