What is the vaccination schedule for the varicella vaccine in children?

The varicella vaccine, which protects against chickenpox, is typically administered as a series of two doses to ensure adequate immunity. The first dose is given to children between the ages of 12 to 15 months. The second dose is administered between 4 to 6 years of age. This schedule is based on recommendations from health authorities to optimize protection against varicella early in life and to reinforce immunity before school entry, when exposure to the virus may be more likely.

This two-dose schedule has been shown to be effective in preventing varicella in children, providing a high level of immunity while also aiding public health goals by reducing outbreaks of the disease. It's important to adhere to this schedule to ensure that children are fully protected as they grow and interact with others.