Ask the Pediatrician
Dr. Jennifer Shu and her team of pediatricians answer your health questions.
Anonymous
10/7/2010
Question
How long does the vaccine for chickenpox last, and should it be given again in adulthood?
Answer
Immunity following the chickenpox vaccine lasts for at least 20 years. However, there are cases of chickenpox in children who have been given the vaccine. These cases are called breakthrough cases and are almost always mild and short lasting. There isn’t enough information at this time to know if booster doses would prevent these breakthrough cases.
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