Varicella

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. Although most common in children, majority of people will get chickenpox at some point in their lives if they have not had the chickenpox vaccine.

After you have had chickenpox, the virus that stays in your body may become reactivated and cause a painful rash called shingles. The chickenpox vaccine is free for all BC residents over one year of age. Ask our travel clinician to see if chickenpox or shingles vaccine is right for you!