OHIP billing code for varicella vaccine

Updated October 26, 2026

The OHIP billing code for the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is G848A, $8.80. Add G700A ($8.80) when vaccines are the only reason for the visit; when you give it at a visit you bill as an assessment, leave G700A off.

Code	What it is	Fee	When to bill it
G848A	Immunization, varicella (VAR)	$8.80	Each varicella vaccine dose.
G700A	Basic fee-per-visit premium for (+) procedures	$8.80	Vaccines are the only reason for the visit.

How to bill it

Bill G848A for the varicella dose and any other vaccine under its own code, for example G845A (MMR) at the same visit.

If vaccines were the only reason for the visit, add one G700A. If you bill an assessment such as A007A for the visit, leave G700A off.

Use diagnostic code 896 (immunization).

Billing rules

Marked (+): when the vaccine is the only reason for the visit, add G700, once per patient per day however many vaccines or (+) procedures are given (J3, J54).
G700 is not payable in hospital, and is paid at 15% of its fee for patients enrolled to a physician or group paid mainly by capitation (J3).
When the vaccine is given at a visit where you bill an assessment, such as A007, don't add G700: the vaccine isn't the only reason for the visit (J3).
May be delegated to trained staff you employ, even when you aren't on site, for your own patient; the chart must be dated and name who gave it. Not payable when the person giving it is employed by a hospital, public health unit, long-term care home or Family Health Team (GP62–GP63).
Payable on the same day as a counselling service by the same physician (GP58).
The Schedule notes an immunization may be uninsured in some circumstances and points to section 24 of Regulation 552 (J54, AA1). For example, immunization given only for travel outside Canada is uninsured (Reg. 552 s.24(1) para 25).
MMR is billed separately as G845 (J54).
There is no Q-code replacement for G700 with this vaccine: Q590A is only for flu shots (AQ3).
FHO: G848A is on the list of in-basket services that get the 50% blended fee-for-service premium for enrolled patients from April 1, 2026 (INFOBulletin 260502). Childhood doses count toward the childhood immunization bonus (Agreement p.65 §8.1; INFOBulletin 260401).

Diagnostic codes

896: Immunization, all types

Common rejections

D8: OHIP's description is 'Allowed with specific procedures only'. G700 is payable only with a (+) procedure, and the Ministry has said G700 is refused with D8 when it isn't on the same claim as the immunization code (J3; INFOBulletin 4544).
V23: Check number of services. OHIP questioned the number of services on the line; check the count and that the code carries the A suffix.

Questions

What is the OHIP billing code for varicella vaccine?

When is varicella vaccine given in Ontario?

Ontario's routine schedule lists varicella at 15 months, and a second dose at 4 years as part of the 4-in-1 MMRV vaccine (Ontario.ca routine immunization schedule).

How do I bill the MMRV vaccine?

The July 2026 Schedule lists MMR (G845) and varicella (G848) as separate codes and has no MMRV code (J54). It doesn't say how to bill the combined vaccine, so confirm with the Ministry's Service Support Contact Centre (1-800-262-6524) before you bill it.

Sources

All OHIP billing codes by service · See how APEX works · Pricing