Protection is believed to last at least 10 to 20 years and perhaps longer, but it's unclear whether a booster shot may be necessary later in life. Many vaccines require booster doses. Time and study will tell if Varivax is one of them. The vaccine isn't approved for use in pregnant women, people with weakened immunity and people who are allergic to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin. Consult your doctor for more information about the varicella vaccine.
Parents typically wonder whether vaccines are safe.
Since its availability, several million doses of the varicella vaccine have been given to children in the United States. Studies continue to show the vaccine to be safe and effective. Side effects are generally mild and include redness, soreness, fatigue, nausea and, rarely, small bumps at the site of the shot. If you've had chickenpox, you don't need the vaccine. You're immune to future exposures for life.