• Varicella (Chickenpox)
  • Vaccine Safety

If a child breaks out in 5 to 10 maculopapular spots 2 weeks following varicella vaccination, can s/he go to school?

Transmission of varicella vaccine virus is a rare event, and appears to occur only when the vaccinated person develops a vesicular rash. A maculopapular rash 2 weeks after varicella vaccine may not have been caused by the vaccine. If the rash were caused by the vaccine, the risk of transmission is very small; however, the child should avoid close contact with people who do not have evidence of varicella immunity and who are at high risk of complications of varicella, such as immunocompromised people, until the rash has resolved.

Last reviewed: May 16, 2023

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