All non-immune adolescents ≥14 years of age and adults are recommended to receive 2 doses of varicella vaccine

Varicella vaccine is recommended for all non-immune adolescents aged ≥14 years and adults.

Varicella vaccine is funded through the NIP for adolescents and adults aged <20 years who have been incompletely vaccinated or do not have evidence of immunity to varicella. For details see the National Immunisation Program Schedule - external site.

Immunisation providers should make every effort to identify and immunise non-pregnant seronegative women of child-bearing age (see Clinical features).

Adolescents (≥14 years of age) and adults need to receive 2 doses of varicella vaccine to achieve adequate protection from varicella.^2,3 The 2 doses should be given at least 4 weeks apart. However, a longer interval between vaccine doses is acceptable.

Lack of immunity to varicella should be based on a history of no previous varicella infection. This can be supplemented by serological testing for evidence of past infection. See Serological testing for varicella immunity from infection or vaccination.

MMRV vaccines are not recommended for use in people ≥14 years of age. There are no data on safety, immunogenicity or efficacy in this age group.

If a person ≥14 years of age is inadvertently given a dose of MMRV vaccine, this dose does not need to be repeated.