Information about chickenpox and Varivax (chickenpox immunization)

Proof of immunity to chickenpox is now required for school. We recommend 2 vaccinations for chickenpox, typically at age 1 and 5 years. This meets the school requirements for immunity. If a child has had chickenpox, that can also make them immune. However, because vaccinations have made chickenpox much less common and the disease may be milder when it does happen, much parent diagnosed chickenpox may not be accurate. Therefore, the schools will no longer accept parent report of chickenpox as evidence of immunity for kindergarten entry. The diagnosis must be made by a physician and even then may require blood tests. We believe it is easier and more convenient to have your child simply receive the 2 recommended chickenpox vaccinations as proof of immunity for the school rather than coming in to the office for a diagnosis by the doctors.