If you are paying out-of-pocket for the chickenpox vaccine (Varivax), you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $180 for each dose, with the full two-dose series totaling around $240 to $360. There is a significant price variation depending on where you go. Public health departments and federally qualified health centers typically have the lowest fees, often operating on a sliding scale based on income. In contrast, private pediatric clinics usually have the highest charges due to additional administrative and overhead costs.
For families concerned about cost, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program is a crucial federal resource. It provides vaccines at no cost to children who are 18 years old or younger and are either uninsured, underinsured, eligible for Medicaid, or are American Indian/Alaska Native. You can check your child's eligibility and find a VFC provider through your state's health department or by asking your pediatrician's office directly.