Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. The symptoms appear 10–20 days after infection. The characteristic rash spreads as small spots that eventually get larger and turn into itchy blisters. This is followed by the drying and scabbing stage, during which the blisters can develop a bacterial infection. Chickenpox blisters can also appear in other parts of the body, such as the mouth and lungs. The symptoms of chickenpox are more severe among adolescents, adults and pregnant women than in children. The sequelae of chickenpox include pneumonia and encephalitis. The virus remains in the body after the illness and it can be activated many years later, causing a painful condition known as shingles. The vaccine is included in the National Vaccination Programme.

• Lääkeinfo.fi: Varivax (in Finnish)
  • Included in the National Vaccination Programme.
• Lääkeinfo.fi: ProQuad (in Finnish)
  • Vaccine against mumps, measles, rubella and chicken pox (MPRV)
  • In the National Vaccination Programme for 6-year-olds who have not had chicken pox ​
• THL, Infectious diseases: Chickenpox (in Finnish)
• Duodecim medical reference book: Chickenpox (in Finnish)
• THL, Immunisation: Varicella vaccine