American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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How many doses of Varicella vaccine are needed for individuals lacking immunity?

1 dose
2 doses
3 doses
4 doses

The correct answer is: 2 doses

Individuals lacking immunity to varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, require two doses of the varicella vaccine to achieve effective immunization. The two-dose schedule is vital because the first dose provides a strong initial immune response, while the second dose, administered typically four to eight weeks after the first, helps to boost and enhance the immune response, ensuring more comprehensive protection. This two-dose regimen is particularly important as it has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of varicella infection and its complications. Vaccination programs have adopted this approach based on evidence gathered over time that indicates increased efficacy with the two doses compared to a single dose. If someone has already received one dose, they are not fully immune and would need the second dose to optimize their protection against the virus. This two-dose requirement is well established in the guidelines provided by health authorities, reflecting the need for robust immunity against varicella.