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Varicella (Chicken Pox) Vaccine in Singapore

The varicella vaccine — better known as the chicken pox vaccine — protects against an itchy, blistering illness that is far more serious in adults than most people realise. Two doses give strong, lasting protection, and also lower your risk of shingles later in life.

Book your chicken pox vaccine Cost & subsidies
2 dosesFor full protection
12 mths+From 12 months of age
AdultsOften more severe
AccessibleClinics across Singapore
A vial of varicella vaccine with a syringe
The illness

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It's extremely contagious — spreading through the air when someone coughs or sneezes, by direct contact with the blisters, and via contaminated surfaces. Without vaccination, most people catch it at some point in their lives.

It starts with fever and fatigue, followed by an itchy red rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters before scabbing over.

In healthy children it's usually mild. In adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity it can be severe, causing complications such as pneumonia.

Why get the varicella vaccine

  • Prevents chickenpox, or makes it much milder
  • Avoids complications like skin infections and pneumonia
  • Protects adults, in whom the illness is more severe
  • Reduces your risk of shingles later in life
  • Protects vulnerable household members who can't be vaccinated
Is it for you?

Who should get the chicken pox vaccine?

The varicella vaccine is recommended for children, and for adults who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated.

  • All children, from 12 months of age (NCIS)
  • Adults 18+ who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated (NAIS)
  • Women planning a pregnancy — but not during pregnancy
  • Healthcare and childcare workers
  • Household contacts of people with weakened immunity
  • Teenagers and adults, in whom chickenpox tends to be more severe
  • Anyone unsure whether they've had chickenpox before

Not sure if you've had chickenpox? You're far from alone. A simple varicella-zoster IgG blood test checks whether you already have immunity, so you don't get vaccinated unnecessarily. Ask us about it when you book.

Schedule

Varicella vaccine doses & schedule

Two doses are needed for full protection. The vaccine is given as an injection under the skin.

Children — first doseAt 12 months of age, under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.
Children — second doseAt 15 months of age — at least three months after the first dose.
Adults & teenagersTwo doses, given 4 to 8 weeks apart, for those without prior chickenpox or vaccination.
Before pregnancyComplete both doses at least one month before trying to conceive. It is not given during pregnancy.
After exposureGiven promptly — generally within 3 to 5 days of exposure — the vaccine may prevent illness or make it much milder.

Varivax

Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

With MMR

Can be given at the same visit, or as combined MMRV

Immunity test

Varicella-zoster IgG blood test

Later in life

Chickenpox, shingles and the varicella vaccine

The two illnesses are caused by the same virus — which is why one connects to the other.

After a chickenpox infection, the varicella-zoster virus doesn't leave your body. It lies dormant in your nerve tissue, sometimes for decades, and can reactivate later in life as shingles — a painful, blistering rash that can leave lasting nerve pain.

Being vaccinated against chickenpox reduces the amount of virus that can lie dormant, and so lowers your future shingles risk.

If you're aged 50 or above, a separate shingles vaccine (Shingrix) offers much stronger, more specific protection — and is recommended even if you've had shingles before.

Chickenpox vs shingles

  • Same virus — varicella-zoster (VZV)
  • Chickenpox is the first infection, usually in childhood
  • Shingles is reactivation of the dormant virus, years later
  • Shingles becomes more common with age
  • Separate vaccines protect against each
Safety

Chicken pox vaccine side effects & precautions

The varicella vaccine has a long safety record. Most reactions are mild and brief.

Common & mild

  • Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
  • Mild fever — a cold compress or paracetamol helps
  • A small number of chickenpox-like spots
  • Feeling faint just after the jab
  • These usually settle on their own

Tell your doctor if you

  • Are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding
  • Are unwell or have a fever today
  • Have a weakened immune system, or take immunosuppressive medicines
  • Have recently received another vaccine
  • Have recently had a blood transfusion
  • Are allergic to any vaccine component

Seek help promptly for severe reactions

Severe allergic reactions are rare. Get medical attention immediately if you develop swelling of the face, eyes, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, or a widespread itchy rash after vaccination.

Cost

Varicella vaccine cost & subsidies in Singapore

The chicken pox vaccine is nationally recommended, so several schemes help with the cost.

Children (NCIS)

Subsidised for eligible Singaporean children under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.

CHAS & Pioneer / Merdeka

Subsidised varicella vaccination at CHAS GP clinics for eligible cardholders under NAIS.

Healthier SG

Nationally recommended vaccinations are fully subsidised for eligible enrollees at their enrolled clinic.

MediSave

Can be used towards nationally recommended vaccinations for eligible Singapore Citizens and PRs.

 Ask about chicken pox vaccine pricing
What to expect

Getting your chicken pox vaccine

A short visit, and protection that lasts for years.

1. Quick review

We check your history — and can test your immunity if you're unsure.

2. Your vaccination

A quick injection under the skin, alone or alongside MMR.

3. Second dose

We schedule your second dose and remind you when it's due.

4. Recorded for you

Logged to the National Immunisation Registry and your HealthHub record.

Good to know

Varicella & chicken pox vaccine FAQs

Is the varicella vaccine the same as the chicken pox vaccine?
Yes. They are two names for the same vaccine. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), so the vaccine that prevents it is called the varicella vaccine. Varivax is a commonly used brand in Singapore.
How many doses of the chicken pox vaccine do I need?
Two. Children receive their first dose at 12 months and their second at 15 months under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule — at least three months apart. Adults aged 18 and above who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated need two doses, given 4 to 8 weeks apart.
I think I had chickenpox as a child. Do I still need the vaccine?
If you definitely had chickenpox, you're generally immune for life and don't need the vaccine. Many people are unsure, though — memories are hazy and rashes get misdiagnosed. A simple varicella-zoster IgG blood test can confirm whether you're already immune.
Is chickenpox worse in adults?
Yes, considerably. Adults are far more likely than children to develop complications such as pneumonia, and to be seriously unwell. This is why the varicella vaccine is recommended for adults who are not immune, rather than 'catching it to get it over with'.
Does the chicken pox vaccine also prevent shingles?
Partly. After a chickenpox infection, the varicella-zoster virus stays dormant in your nerves and can reactivate decades later as shingles. Vaccination reduces that future risk. For adults aged 50 and above, a separate shingles vaccine (Shingrix) gives much stronger, more specific protection.
How long does the varicella vaccine last?
Studies suggest protection lasts in the region of 10 to 20 years after vaccination, and often longer. If you're unsure of your protection, a blood test can check your antibody levels, and revaccination can be discussed with your doctor.
Can I get the chickenpox vaccine after being exposed to someone with chickenpox?
Possibly. Given promptly after exposure — generally within 3 to 5 days — the varicella vaccine may prevent the illness or make it much milder. If you've been exposed and are not immune, contact us straight away rather than waiting.
Can the varicella vaccine be given with the MMR vaccine?
Yes. It can be given on its own or at the same visit as the MMR vaccine — sometimes as a combined MMRV vaccine. Our doctors will advise on the best approach for you or your child.
Can I have the chicken pox vaccine while pregnant?
No. The varicella vaccine is a live vaccine and is not given during pregnancy. If you need it, complete your course and then avoid becoming pregnant for at least one month afterwards. Chickenpox during pregnancy can harm the baby, so checking your immunity before conceiving is worthwhile.
Who should not have the varicella vaccine?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, are breastfeeding, are unwell or feverish today, have a weakened immune system or are on immunosuppressive treatment, have recently had another vaccine or a blood transfusion, or are allergic to any vaccine component.
What are the side effects of the chicken pox vaccine?
Most people have only mild effects: pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, a mild fever, or feeling faint just after the jab. Some develop a small number of chickenpox-like spots. These usually settle on their own, and a cold compress or paracetamol helps.
Is the chickenpox vaccine compulsory in Singapore?
No. Only diphtheria and measles vaccination are legally required for children. Varicella vaccination is nonetheless recommended under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule, and for adults without immunity under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule.
Is the varicella vaccine subsidised?
Varicella vaccination is nationally recommended, so subsidies are available for eligible Singaporean children under the NCIS, and for adults at CHAS GP clinics and for Pioneer and Merdeka Generation cardholders. MediSave can also be used. Contact us to check what applies to you.
Where is my vaccination recorded?
Your varicella vaccination is recorded in the National Immunisation Registry and appears in your HealthHub record, so your immunisation history is always available.
Related

Other vaccines you may need

Shingrix (Shingles) MMR Tdap All vaccines

Never had chickenpox? Don't wait to catch it.

Chickenpox is far more serious in adults. Book your varicella vaccine at any of our clinics — or let us check your immunity first.

Book your chicken pox vaccine

Sources

The requirements and recommendations on this page are drawn from official Singapore government sources:

This page is general information, not medical advice, and requirements can change. Always confirm the current position with the relevant Singapore government agency, or speak to our doctors about your own circumstances.