Varicella vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
Varicella vaccination: Varicella, also known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious viral disease. Vaccination against varicella is recommended in the Austrian vaccination schedule for children from the age of 1 and should ideally take place before entering community facilities such as nurseries or kindergartens.
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
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No, after two correctly administered Vaccinations No booster vaccinations are necessary against varicella.
What is chickenpox (varicella)?
Varicella, also known as chickenpox or chickenpox, is a Highly contagious viral infection, which mainly occurs in children. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is easily transmitted via droplets when speaking, coughing or sneezing as well as through direct skin contact.
Just being in the same room as a sick person can be enough to infect or transmit the pathogens. Due to its highly contagious nature, 95 percent of adults have had varicella or chickenpox at least once, according to figures from the Ministry of Social Affairs.Symptoms of varicella
Varicella often begins with non-specific symptoms that can easily be mistaken for a flu-like infection. Only after one to two days does the Skin rash typical of chickenpox. This usually spreads from the trunk to the face, scalp and finally the entire body. It is characteristic that new skin changes appear in phases, while older ones are already crusted over.
The typical symptoms of varicella include
- mild to severe fever,
- Tiredness, fatigue and a general feeling of illness,
- severe itching, which can be particularly distressing for children,
- red patches of skin that develop into fluid-filled blisters,
- Blisters in different stages at the same time (spots, blisters, crusts),
- Skin changes also occur on mucous membranes, for example in the mouth or genital area.
Progression of varicella
After the Infection with the varicella zoster virus usually takes 12 to 21 days, until the first signs of illness appear. Varicella often begins with non-specific symptoms such as tiredness, a slight fever and general malaise. Shortly afterwards, the typical skin rash develops, which occurs in batches and spreads over several days.
Characteristic for varicella is that different stages of the rash at the same time are visible - an important distinguishing feature from other skin diseases.
The rash usually heals within one to two weeks. However, there is a high risk of infection during this time, which is why sick children should avoid communal facilities.
Typical features of the course of the disease:
- Severely itchy skin rash with fluid-filled blisters
- Simultaneous appearance of spots, papules, blisters and scabs
- Usually begins on the head or trunk, then spreads over the entire body
- Possible accompanying symptoms such as fever, tiredness and feeling ill
Possible complications
In most cases, varicella heals without permanent consequences. However, complications can occur, especially in adults, pregnant women, newborns or people with a weakened immune system.
Possible complications include
- bacterial skin infections caused by scratched blisters,
- Pneumonia,
- Inflammation of the brain and meninges,
- Liver inflammations,
- the rare but severe varicella syndrome in the unborn child when first infected during pregnancy.
Important to know: Once the disease has been overcome, the virus remains in the body for life. Later reactivation can lead to shingles (herpes zoster), particularly in older people or those with a weakened immune system.
Vaccinating against varicella in children: what is the procedure?
Vaccination is scheduled to start from the age of 1. The Immunization takes place with two partial vaccinations, in order to build up reliable and lasting protection. In general, there are two varicella vaccines: the vaccine can either be administered as a single varicella vaccine or as a Combination vaccine against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMR-V) be administered.
The procedure according to Vaccination service Vienna at a glance:
The first vaccination is possible and recommended from the age of 1 (vaccination recommendation according to Austrian vaccination plan).
The second vaccination is preferably given after 6 weeks, but at least 4 weeks after the first,
If the first vaccination is given at the age of 9 to 12 months, the interval between the two vaccinations should be at least 3 months.
Booster vaccinations are not necessary after two correctly administered doses.
Option: combination vaccine against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella
For the combination vaccine against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMR-V) several Vaccinations in one syringe, which reduces the number of injections and simplifies the vaccination process.
The combination vaccine is mainly used in children and is part of the recommended vaccination strategies. Whether a single vaccine or the combination vaccine is used depends on the child's vaccination status and the doctor's recommendation. Both variants offer equivalent protection and are considered to be well tolerated.Vaccinating against varicella in adulthood: what should I bear in mind?
A varicella vaccination is also advisable in adulthood if there is no immunity. The Austrian vaccination schedule recommends vaccination for adolescents and adults who have not had chickenpox and have not been vaccinated. Especially Protection is useful for women who want to have children, as an initial infection during pregnancy can have serious consequences for the unborn child, as well as for healthcare staff and community facilities such as nurseries or schools. This is also confirmed by Gesundheit.gv.at.
The vaccination is preventive and should therefore be given before a possible infection. Vaccination during pregnancy is not intended; pregnancy should be avoided for one month after vaccination.
Procedure and vaccination schedule for adults:
- The first vaccination can be given at any time outside of pregnancy.
- The second vaccination is given after 6 weeks, as with children, but at least 4 weeks after the first.
- Booster vaccinations are not necessary even in adults if two doses have been administered correctly.
Frequently asked questions and answers
How often do I need to be vaccinated against varicella?
For complete protection two vaccinations against varicella required. No booster vaccinations are necessary after the second vaccination has been carried out correctly.
When are children vaccinated against varicella?
The varicella vaccination is recommended for Children from the age of 1 recommended. The second vaccination should be given at least four weeks apart, ideally before entering a childcare facility such as a crèche or kindergarten.
Is the chickenpox vaccine the varicella vaccine?
Yes, the Chickenpox vaccination and varicella vaccination are the same thing. „Chickenpox“ is the common name for the disease, medically it is called varicella. The vaccination protects against infection with the varicella zoster virus, the cause of chickenpox.