Varivax Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Varivax

Generic name: varicella virus (chickenpox) vaccine [ VAR-i-SEL-a-VYE-rus-vax-EEN ]
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 8, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is varicella virus vaccine?

Varicella (commonly known as chickenpox) is a common childhood disease that causes fever, skin rash, and a breakout of fluid-filled blisters on the skin.

Varicella virus vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in adults and children who are at least 12 months old.

This vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of the virus or a protein from the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Like any vaccine, varicella virus vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

## Warnings

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot. You should also not receive this vaccine if you have an infection or any illness with fever, active tuberculosis that is not being treated, or a weak immune system.

You should not receive this vaccine if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy for 3 months after receiving a varicella vaccine.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not receive this vaccine if you are allergic to gelatin or neomycin, or if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing varicella.

You should also not receive this vaccine if you have:

- an infection or any illness with fever;

- active tuberculosis that is not being treated;

- a weak immune system caused by disease (such as cancer, HIV, or AIDS), or by receiving certain medicines such as steroids, chemotherapy or radiation; or

- if you are pregnant.

May cause birth defects. Do not receive varicella vaccine if you are pregnant. You must use effective birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

To make sure varicella vaccine is safe for you, tell your doctor if:

- you have a weak immune system;

- someone in your household has a weak immune system; or

- you have recently had a blood transfusion or have received an immune globulin or other blood products.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Varivax.

## Related/similar drugs

varicella virus vaccine, ProQuad

## How is this vaccine given?

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) under the skin. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office, clinic setting, or pharmacy.

Varicella vaccine is recommended for:

- healthcare workers;

- caregivers who have close contact with elderly people or patients with weak immune systems;

- people who have close contact with children;

- college students;

- military personnel;

- inmates in correctional institutions; or

- people who travel to different countries.

Any person who has never had chickenpox or received this vaccine should get 1 or 2 doses of varicella vaccine.

Children from 1 to 12 years old should receive 2 doses. The booster dose may be given 3 months after the first, but may be delayed until the child is 4 to 6 years old.

People who are at least 13 years old and have never had chickenpox or received a varicella vaccine should receive 2 doses 4 to 8 weeks apart.

Your individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

This vaccine can cause false results on a skin test for tuberculosis. Tell any doctor who treats you if you have received a varicella virus vaccine within the past 4 to 6 weeks.

Detailed Varivax dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine. You may not be fully protected against disease if you do not receive the full series.

## What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

## What should I avoid before or after receiving this vaccine?

For at least 6 weeks after receiving a varicella vaccine, avoid coming into contact with newborn infants, pregnant women who have never had chickenpox, and anyone who has a weak immune system. There is a chance that you could pass the virus to a person with a weak immune system or no immunity to chickenpox.

## This vaccine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: dizziness, weakness, fast heartbeats; hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot. Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. When you receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Varivax may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- high fever;

- a seizure;

- cough, pain or tight feeling in your chest, breathing problems; or

- easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness.

Common side effects include:

- irritability;

- redness, itching, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given;

- fever; or

- mild skin rash that looks like chickenpox (can occur up to 1 month after vaccination).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Varivax side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect varicella virus vaccine?

For anyone under 18 years old: Do not take a salicylate medicine (such as aspirin, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others) for at least 6 weeks after receiving a varicella virus vaccine. Salicylates can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children or teenagers with chickenpox, and the varicella virus exposes you to a small amount of this virus.

There may be other drugs that can affect this vaccine. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using during your varicella virus vaccine booster schedule. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Varivax drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about Varivax (varicella virus vaccine)

- Check interactions
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- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: viral vaccines
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Varicella-Zoster, Prophylaxis

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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