Vaccination

Chickenpox is a widespread infectious disease characterized by a typical skin rash. The pathogen spreads via droplet transmission, and contact with fluid from the blisters is also infectious. Infection occurs when staying in the same room as an infected person. The disease begins with catarrhal symptoms and an increase in body temperature, followed by a papulo-vesicular rash; fever rises during the rash phase.

We vaccinate against chickenpox with Varivax or Varilrix, both of which are live vaccines, meaning they contain an attenuated (weakened) virus. Under certain conditions, vaccination is recommended from 9 months of age.

Vaccination schedule recommendations:

Varilrix

• From 12 months of age: 2 doses are administered, with an interval of at least 6 weeks between doses.
• Under certain conditions, the first dose may be administered at 9–11 months of age (in this case, the interval between doses must be at least 3 months).

Varivax

• From 12 months to 12 years: the interval between doses must be at least 1 month.
• From 13 years of age: the interval between doses is 4–8 weeks.

Vaccination with either vaccine is contraindicated if:

• you or your child has any illness (e.g. a blood disorder, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS);
• you are taking any medication (including high-dose corticosteroids) that weakens the immune system.

Before coming for vaccination, please read the patient information leaflets for Varilrix and Varivax.

All vaccinations administered at our clinic are recorded in your vaccination passport, which we ask you to bring with you when attending the appointment. If necessary, we can issue a new vaccination passport for an additional fee (€10).