Varicella vaccine

[Michiko]

The varicella vaccine helps protect against chickenpox (varicella), a very contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes an itchy rash that looks like small blisters with a red base. In some people, the brain, lungs, and heart can become infected, resulting in serious illness or death. The virus remains in the body after the illness has resolved. If it is reactivated, it can cause shingles years later.
For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Kit]

Varicella vaccination provides effective protection against varicella (chickenpox). It is not known how long protection against varicella lasts. But, live-virus vaccines, like the varicella vaccine, usually provide long-lasting immunity.
For more information, see Varicella Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Vaccine Recommendations and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Varicella Vaccination.
(See also Overview of Immunization.)