Do Adults Need One or Two Doses of Chickenpox Vaccine?

Number of doses for adult self-paid varicella vaccination?

Hello, doctor.
I received a private varicella vaccine when I was a child.
Recently, during a health check-up at the age of 30, I found out that I no longer have antibodies.
When I inquired about varicella vaccine information from the Centers for Disease Control, I discovered that "for individuals aged 13 years and older who have not received the vaccine and have never had chickenpox, two doses should be administered, with a 4 to 8 week interval between doses." I would like to ask, if I had received the private varicella vaccine as a child, do I only need to receive one dose now? Thank you!

Liao Xiansheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/26

Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine

Hello, since your antibody report does not provide clear information about your actual condition, it is recommended that you return to the hospital for a check-up with a family medicine physician or a relevant specialist for confirmation.

Reply Date: 2019/08/26

More Info

When it comes to the chickenpox vaccine, the recommendations can vary based on an individual's vaccination history and age. For adults who have never had chickenpox and have not been vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the varicella vaccine, with the second dose given 4 to 8 weeks after the first dose. However, in your case, since you mentioned that you received the chickenpox vaccine as a child, the situation is a bit different.

If you were vaccinated in childhood, it is possible that you may have developed some level of immunity, even if your recent health check indicated that you do not have detectable antibodies. The immune response to vaccination can vary significantly among individuals, and some people may still have protection against the virus despite low or undetectable antibody levels.
The CDC states that individuals who have received at least one dose of the varicella vaccine are generally considered to have some level of protection against chickenpox. However, if you have no documented history of chickenpox and your antibody test shows no immunity, it is advisable to receive a booster dose of the vaccine. In this case, you would typically only need one additional dose of the varicella vaccine, as the initial vaccination you received in childhood would count as your first dose.

It's important to note that the varicella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus. This type of vaccine is generally safe for most adults, but there are some contraindications, such as pregnancy or severe immunocompromising conditions. If you have any concerns about your health status or potential contraindications, it would be wise to discuss these with your healthcare provider before receiving the vaccine.

In summary, since you have previously received the chickenpox vaccine as a child, you would likely only need one additional dose to boost your immunity, provided you have no history of chickenpox and your antibody test indicates a lack of immunity. However, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status. They can provide you with the most accurate recommendations and ensure that you are adequately protected against chickenpox.

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