Chickenpox (Varicella)
A highly contagious infection caused by varicella-zoster virus.
What causes Chickenpox (Varicella)?
Chickenpox is caused by varicella-zoster virus. It spreads easily through the air and through direct contact with fluid from chickenpox blisters; a person with shingles can also transmit the virus to someone without immunity.
Symptoms and what to notice
Itchy blister-like rash, fever, tiredness, headache, and loss of appetite.
How long can it last?
The rash commonly lasts about four to seven days; people are contagious before and until lesions crust over.
How serious is Chickenpox (Varicella)?
Usually mild in children, but pneumonia, brain inflammation, bloodstream infection, hospitalization, and death can occur.
Treatment and management
Symptom care is common; antivirals may be recommended early for people at higher risk. Avoid aspirin in children with chickenpox.
Vaccine name, eligibility, doses, and cost
Products: Varivax (varicella-only) and ProQuad (MMRV combination for eligible children). CDC recommends two doses, usually at 12-15 months and 4-6 years. People age 13 and older without immunity generally receive two Varivax doses at least 28 days apart.
Approximate U.S. cost: The August 2026 CDC private-sector benchmark is about $192 per Varivax dose and about $289 per ProQuad dose. A two-dose Varivax series is roughly $384 before administration or visit fees; insurance or the Vaccines for Children program may reduce patient cost to $0.
Official U.S. guidance
Read the current CDC guidance for Chickenpox (Varicella) →
Understanding prices: Patient cost varies by insurance, provider, location, and eligibility. Many recommended vaccines are covered with no out-of-pocket cost under qualifying plans, and eligible children may receive vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program. CDC price lists are purchasing benchmarks—not guaranteed patient prices. CDC price context.