Can I get chickenpox more than once?

Yes, it is possible to get chickenpox more than once, but this is extremely rare.

Most people who have had chickenpox won't get it again because they're immune to it for life.

However, some people who have had chickenpox will develop a related condition called shingles later on. This is caused by the chickenpox virus being reactivated, usually several decades later.

Read more about chickenpox and shingles.

Further information:

Page last reviewed: 20/10/2024

Next review due: 31/08/2024