Varicella (Chicken pox) Vaccine
When recommended: Anyone 13 years of age or older who has never had the chicken pox or the varicella vaccine (introduced in 1995) should get two doses at least 28 days apart of the varicella vaccine.
What you should know: Many people regard chicken pox as a harmless childhood illness, but adults are more at risk for a severe case and complications than children are. The varicella vaccine can raise the risk of getting shingles, a painful skin rash, slightly, but not as much as getting the chicken pox themselves. "No one should avoid getting the varicella vaccine for fear they will get shingles later," says Dr. Rodewald.
Possible side effects: Soreness at injection site, fever, mild rash
