Recently, a second dose of chickenpox (varicella) vaccination was recommended for children, adolescents and adults who previously had received one dose.

This was meant to improve individual protection against chickenpox and for more rapid impact on school outbreaks.

The chickenpox vaccine has been very effective preventing the disease or lessening its impact since it was introduced in the U.S. in 1995. At Partners in Pediatrics, we will continue to give your children their first chickenpox immunization at their one-year visit annd give a second dose at their four-year well child exam.

Children over four years of age will receive their catch-up dose at their next physical examination. As in the past, children thirteen years and above starting their chikenpox vacccine series will continue to receive two doses.