The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is provided as part of routine immunizations in British Columbia.  A second dose of this vaccine has recently been added to BC's immunization schedule for infants and children.

• The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is free and recommended for children as part of their routine immunizations. The chickenpox vaccine is given to children as a series of 2 doses. The first dose is given at 12 months of age; a second dose is given at school entry (4 to 6 years of age). The second dose was added to the BC routine immunization schedule in January 2012. All children born in or after 1999 qualify for a second dose of the chickenpox vaccine.
• It is not necessary for those who had chickenpox or shingles at 1 year of age or older to get the vaccine.
• Starting in the 2012/2013 school year, the vaccine will also be provided to students in grade 6 who have not received 2 doses of the vaccine. Most students will only need 1 dose of vaccine if they received a dose in the past. However, those who have never received the vaccine should get 2 doses at least 3 months apart. For more information about grade 6 immunizations in BC, read HealthLinkBC File #50F.
• The vaccine is also recommended and provided free as a series of 2 doses to people born before 1999 who have never had chickenpox disease or received the vaccine. The second dose is given 6 weeks after the first dose. If you are not sure whether you have had chickenpox disease or received the vaccine, you can have a blood test to check for antibodies against the varicella virus.
• A 2nd dose of vaccine is currently not provided free for people born before 1999 who have received 1 dose of vaccine in the past. Parents of these children may purchase a 2nd dose..
• This vaccine is 100% effective against severe forms of chickenpox, and up to 90% effective against mild forms of the illness.