Who Should Get Chicken Pox Vaccine?
• Children between 12 and 18 months of age: Most children in this age group should have one dose of chicken pox vaccine. • Children between 19 months and their 13th birthday: All children who have not had chicken pox or the vaccine should be vaccinated before their 13th birthday. Many doctors will give the vaccine at 11 or 12 years of age to children in need. However, the vaccine may be given any time between 19 months and 12 years. Your doctor or clinic can tell you whether your child should be vaccinated. • People 13 and older: Some people 13 or older who have not had chicken pox or the vaccine should get two doses of the vaccine four to eight weeks apart. Ask your doctor for details. Chicken pox vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Most doctors recommend it for almost all young children. But there are some cautions. Tell your doctor or nurse if the person getting the vaccine: • Ever had a serious allergic reaction to chicken pox vaccine, neomycin or gelatin • Now
