Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine
Book your Varicella vaccination today and protect yourself from chickenpox and shingles today.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine
Book your Varicella vaccination today and protect yourself from chickenpox and shingles today.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine
Book your Varicella vaccination today and protect yourself from chickenpox and shingles today.
Varicella (also known as chickenpox) is a highly contagious and mild viral infection that’s commonly found in children.
It's more severe in adults, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised.
Here are three things you need to know about chickenpox (varicella), which is also available in a combination vaccination.
Serious complications of chickenpox can include pneumonia and infected blisters1.
The most common symptom of chickenpox is an itchy and red rash1.
Chickenpox is more common in children, but when adults catch it, it’s usually a more severe illness1.
Getting vaccinated against varicella (chickenpox) is the best way to protect yourself against the virus.
Book your varicella vaccination at your local Blooms The Chemist pharmacy today*.
*Minimum age restrictions apply. Speak to your Pharmacist about the minimum age for child vaccinations. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (parent or guardian must bring photo ID as proof of guardianship).
References
1Health Direct, Chickenpox (varicella), accessed 15 January 2024
What is varicella (chickenpox)?
Varicella (also known as chickenpox) is a highly infectious disease that causes an itchy red rash with blisters1.
1Better Health Victoria, Chickenpox – immunisation, accessed 15 January 2024
What are the symptoms of varicella (chickenpox)?
The main symptoms of varicella (chickenpox) are1:
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An itchy red rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters that burst and crust over
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Fever
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Headache
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Feeling generally unwell
In severe cases, varicella (chickenpox) bacteria can invade the bloodstream and cause meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around your brain and spinal cord) or pneumonia (a severe lung infection).
Most severe cases happen in adults and those who are immunocompromised.
1Health Direct, Chickenpox (varicella), accessed 15 January 2024
How is varicella (chickenpox) spread?
Varicella (chickenpox) is very contagious and you’re likely to catch it if you’re not immune and come into contact with an infectious person1.
It’s spread through cough droplets that can travel through the air and through contact with the fluid inside the blisters after the rash has developed.
You should stay home if you have chickenpox until you are no longer contagious. You’re no longer contagious once all of your blisters have crusted over.
1Health Direct, Chickenpox (varicella), accessed 15 January 2024
How do I get diagnosed with varicella (chickenpox)?
You should visit your doctor if you have symptoms to ensure that you’re diagnosed correctly1.
As chickenpox is highly contagious, it’s important to call your doctor before visiting as they’ll let you know the safest way you can see them.
If you have severe symptoms, like a high fever, difficulty breathing or neck pain, you should urgently see your doctor as soon as possible.
1Health Direct, Chickenpox (varicella), accessed 15 January 2024
How is varicella (chickenpox) treated?
There’s no specific medical treatment for chickenpox, as many people have mild symptoms and get better quickly1.
You can try and ease your symptoms by keeping your fingernails short, so you don’t scratch your blisters, get plenty of rest and use soothing lotions and antihistamines to reduce the itching.
1Health Direct, Chickenpox (varicella), accessed 15 January 2024
What are some common side effects of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine?
Some common side effects of the vaccine include1:
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Pain and redness at the injection site
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Fever
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A rash 5 to 26 days after the vaccination which is usually at the injection site
1Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine, accessed 15 January 2024
Is it recommended that I get the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine?
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine for a range of people, including1:
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Children aged 12 months to under 4 years
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Children aged 14 years and over
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Adults who haven’t received 2 doses of the chickenpox-containing vaccine, particularly healthcare workers, childhood educators and carers
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People who work in long-term care facilities
However, anyone who wants to protect themselves against chickenpox can book a vaccination to protect themselves and the wider community.
1Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine, accessed 15 January 2024
Is the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine free for me?
The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is free for children at 18 months.
If you are curious about your vaccination eligibility for this vaccine, please check here.
Can I get a vaccination with Varicella (Chickenpox) and Measles, Mumps and Rubella?
Measles, Mumps and Rubella is already a combination vaccine, so you’d be getting protection against four diseases in just one vaccination if you went ahead with the combination vaccine that includes varicella (chickenpox).
You don’t need a prescription to get this vaccine from participating Blooms The Chemist pharmacies.
If you’d like to learn more about Measles, Mumps and Rubella and why you should get vaccinated against it, please click here.