Chickenpox Vaccine
Vaccination schedule
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1 year
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First Grade
The disease
Chickenpox is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms include high fever and an itchy rash that begins on the scalp and spreads to the entire body. The rash typically starts as flat, red lesions that develop into fluid-filled blisters. Once the fluid-filled blisters are filled with pus, the disease becomes highly contagious because they contain a large quantity of viruses. The blisters will eventually dry out and form a scab, which will eventually fall off. The disease transmits from person to person either through airborne transmission, through coughing and sneezing, or by direct contact with the blisters that define the disease.
Potential complications of chickenpox are typically pneumonia, brain inflammation, kidney inflammation and severe skin infection. While rare, some individuals are at risk of bleeding, kidney failure, or even death. After recovering from chickenpox, individuals become carriers of the virus, which can later reactivate as shingles (herpes zoster).
The vaccine
The chickenpox vaccine is administered as part of the MMRV vaccine, which also contains vaccines against measles, mumps, and rubella. This vaccine is part of the routine vaccination program for infants and children.
There are separate vaccines available for use in situations where an allergy or medical condition contraindicates one of the MMRV components. In any case, individuals can consult a Family Care Center (Tipat Halav) nurse to discuss the option or necessity of receiving the MMRV components as separate vaccines for any reason.
| Vaccine composition | Vaccine administration |
| Live attenuated chickenpox viruses | By injection to the arm |
The influence of the vaccine in Israel: chickenpox leads to numerous hospitalizations annually due to complications such as disseminated bacterial skin infection, pneumonia, and brain inflammation. Since the introduction of the vaccine into the routine vaccination program in 2007, there has been a 90% reduction in cases and hospitalizations.
Vaccine completion: if your child is in school age and has not been given a chickenpox vaccine, which is included in the birth to 18 years immunization schedule, you can contact the school nurse to schedule the vaccine completion. In addition, the health staff of the school will inform you of complementary vaccines your child needs and help you schedule them with your consent.
Possible side effects and how to relieve them
A few of those who receive the vaccine may develop side effects after the vaccination. However, these side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own:
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Redness, pain and swelling at the injection site -
Fever -
Rash -
Extremely rare phenomena
- Redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site: local symptoms may appear within 4 days after vaccination. You can apply a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water to the injection site and avoid massaging the area.
- Fever: may rise within 3-7 days after vaccination. You can administer an analgesic to help relieve pain and reduce fever.
- Rash: this may appear within 42 days after vaccination.
- Rare phenomena: inflammation of the upper respiratory system, runny nose, swollen salivary and lymph glands, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, weakness, crying, sleep deprivation, irritability, inflammation of the testicles, and seizures. You can administer an analgesic to help relieve pain and reduce fever.
When to seek medical attention at an HMO or emergency medical center after the vaccination
- If your child appears apathetic.
- If fever lasts beyond 24-48 hours.
- In cases of seizures (often related to fever but should be examined).
- If there are changes in appetite and eating patterns beyond 24-48 hours.
- If any other phenomenon causes concern.
If your child experiences symptoms after getting vaccinated in school - please inform the school nurse.