Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness, and fever. Chickenpox can be serious, especially in babies, adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Results from the CDC’s 2021 National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) show that 96.4% (95% CI: 92.6-9.82) of adolescents age 13-17 years in Connecticut received at least 2 doses of varicella vaccine (or had a history of varicella disease). The 2018 U.S. rate was 92.2 (95% CI: 91.2-93.1), the Healthy People 2020 goal is 90%, and the Healthy Connecticut 2020 goal is 98.2%.

Confidence intervals can be seen by hovering over each data point.

These data are current as of February, 2023.

DPH Immunization Partners

Government: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CT Department of Social Services/Community Health Network (CHN), CT Department of Children and Families, CT Local Health Departments/Districts, Tribal Governments, Health Departments from other states, Emergency Response and Public Health Preparedness

Organizations and Coalitions: Connecticut Vaccine Advisory Council (CVAC), Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Foundation for Children, CT American Lung Association, American Immunization Registry Association (AIRA), Every Child By Two, Association of Immunization Managers (AIM), American Cancer Society

Business and Industry: Pharmaceutical companies that produce vaccines, Immunization Information System (IIS) vendors, electronic health record (EHR) vendors, insurance companies

Health Care: Private and public providers, community health centers, school based health centers, hospitals

Education: Daycares, schools and colleges, Board of Nursing, State Department of Education, Yale School of Public Health

Community Services: CT Department of Social Services, Community Health Network (CHN), Local WIC Offices, tribal services, services for immigrants and refugees, homeless shelters and programs, domestic violence shelters and programs, Hispanic Health Council, Maternal Infant Outreach Program - City of Hartford Health and Human Services (MIOP) , Family Strides, Head Start, Healthy Start, Nurturing Families, Connections, Mom’s Project, Positive Parenting, Project Mother Care, Reach out and Read, Birth to Three, libraries, churches, Community Health Center Family Wellness Center/New Britain, Weston Women’s League, Human Resources Agency of New Britain (HRA), Family and Children’s Agency (FCA) of Norwalk, Spanish Speaking Center, United Way

The Public: Parents and the general public

Universal access to varicella vaccine at no cost to patients and healthcare providers for all children. School immunization requirements for 2 doses of varicella vaccine at kindergarten and seventh grade entry.

Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Recommendations regarding interventions to improve vaccination coverage in children, adolescents, and adults. Am J Prev Med 2000;18(1S):92–6.

School Immunization Requirements Regulations: https://eregulations.ct.gov/eRegsPortal/Browse/getDocument?guid=%7bC4C82D0A-894B-424F-AFA1-7EE530D7A0B1%7d

For current year priority strategies and actions, click here (right click to open link).

SHIP Strategies:

Assure costs of vaccines/administration for all ages are covered by all insurers

Maintain and expand access to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended vaccines for children

Maintain and enhance Connecticut immunization registry, including across lifespan; implement comprehensive reminder/recall systems.

Use new and existing data systems to measure vaccine coverage among populations to identify disparities and target vaccine strategies.

The Connecticut Vaccine Program is Connecticut’s childhood vaccination program. It ensures all children in the state get the vaccinations they need, when they need them, to stay healthy. The state buys vaccine at the lowest possible price through a government contract, and gives the vaccines at no cost to clinics, private doctors, and other health care providers. These providers then vaccinate children without charging patients for the cost of the vaccine (health care providers may still charge an administration fee). Without this program, some insurance companies may not cover the full cost of vaccine, making it too expensive for some families. Varicella vaccine is available to all children 12 months-18 years of age at no cost through the Connecticut Vaccine Program.

At the start of the 2011-2012 school year, a mandate was introduced requiring vaccination with 2 doses of varicella or documented history of varicella disease for entry into seventh grade.