CareCardVaricella (chickenpox)
How to prepare varicella vaccination or immunity records when your program or placement assigns this requirement.
Applicability: Your program or placement may assign this requirement.
CareCard catalogue default: The record does not expire.
Evidence reviewed: August 30, 2026
Follow the evidence shown in your CareCard requirement. A health care provider should advise on vaccination, pregnancy, immunocompromising conditions, and the interpretation of serology.
What your assigned requirement may ask for
- Records showing two doses of a varicella-containing vaccine, or
- Laboratory evidence of immunity
- Additional vaccination evidence if the assigned requirement asks for it
Your assigned requirement determines whether any history of prior disease is accepted. Upload complete records showing the relevant dates and results.
Current guidance
The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends that health care workers be immune to varicella. It recognizes documented evidence of two vaccine doses or laboratory evidence of immunity. When immunity is uncertain, two doses of univalent varicella vaccine are recommended for health care workers.
Commercial antibody tests can miss vaccine-induced immunity. Routine serology after two documented vaccine doses is not recommended, so do not arrange a post-vaccination titre unless a qualified provider or your assigned requirement directs you to do so. Varicella vaccine is a live vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy and for some immunocompromised people.
CareCard validity
CareCard's current catalogue default keeps the record without an expiry date. Any evidence or date rule shown on your assigned requirement controls.