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Varicella Virus Vaccine is used for active immunization to prevent varicella (chickenpox) in people aged 12 months and older.
Pharmacology
Varicella Virus Vaccine triggers both a cell-mediated and a humoral immune response against varicella-zoster virus. How much each of these two responses contributes to protection from varicella isn't known.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Each 0.5 mL dose of Varicella Virus Vaccine is given by subcutaneous injection. The site is the outer part of the deltoid region of the upper arm, or the higher anterolateral area of the thigh.
Children (12 months to 12 years of age): The first dose is given at 12 to 15 months of age, but it may be given at any time through 12 years of age. The second dose is given at 4 to 6 years of age. At least 3 months should pass between doses of a varicella-containing vaccine. If Varicella Virus Vaccine and a measles-containing vaccine are not given at the same time, at least 1 month should pass between the measles-containing vaccine dose and the Varicella Virus Vaccine dose.
Adolescents (≥13 years of age) and adults: Two doses of Varicella Virus Vaccine are given, with a minimum interval of 4 weeks between them.
Side Effects
Frequently reported adverse reactions (≥10%) with Varicella Virus Vaccine in children aged 1 to 12 years are fever of ≥102.0°F (38.9°C) measured orally, seen in 14.7%, and injection-site complaints, seen in 19.3%. In adolescents and adults aged 13 years and older, the frequently reported reactions (≥10%) are fever of ≥100.0°F (37.8°C) measured orally, in 10.2%, and injection-site complaints, in 24.4%. Other reported adverse reactions in all age groups are a varicella-like rash at the injection site and a generalized varicella-like rash.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
If there is a family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency, check the person's immune competence before giving Varicella Virus Vaccine. After vaccination, stay away from close contact with high-risk people who are susceptible to varicella, because the vaccine virus could possibly be passed on to them. Immune Globulins (IG) and other blood products should not be given at the same time as Varicella Virus Vaccine. In children and adolescents, avoid salicylates for 6 weeks after the vaccine is given.
Contraindications
Severe allergic reaction Don't give Varicella Virus Vaccine to anyone with a history of anaphylactic or severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine (including neomycin and gelatin) or to a previous dose of a varicella-containing vaccine. Immunosuppression Don't give the vaccine to people who are immunodeficient or immunosuppressed because of disease or medical therapy. Disseminated varicella disease and extensive vaccine associated rash have been reported in immunosuppressed or immunodeficient people who were vaccinated with a varicella-containing vaccine by mistake. Moderate or severe febrile illness Don't give Varicella Virus Vaccine to people with an active febrile illness with fever >38.5°C. Active untreated tuberculosis Don't give the vaccine to people with active, untreated tuberculosis (TB). Pregnancy Don't give the vaccine to women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next 3 months. Wild-type varicella is known to cause fetal harm.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Varicella Virus Vaccine must not be given to pregnant women. It contains live, attenuated varicella virus, and wild-type varicella virus caught during pregnancy is known to cause congenital varicella syndrome. A pregnancy exposure registry followed outcomes after the vaccine was used by mistake, and it did not see a higher risk of miscarriage, major birth defect or congenital varicella syndrome. There are no relevant animal data.
Nobody knows yet whether the varicella vaccine virus passes into human milk. When deciding about Varicella Virus Vaccine during breastfeeding, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed together with the mother's clinical need for the vaccine. Any possible adverse effects on the breastfed child, from the vaccine or from the mother's underlying condition, should be considered as well. For preventive vaccines, the underlying maternal condition is being susceptible to the disease the vaccine prevents.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
Pediatric Use: There are no clinical data on the safety or efficacy of Varicella Virus Vaccine in children less than 12 months of age.
Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of Varicella Virus Vaccine did not include enough seronegative subjects aged 65 and over to show whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Storage
Keep the Varicella Virus Vaccine at 2 to 8° C. Don't let it freeze, and protect it from light. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Common questions about Varivax 0.5 ml
What is Varivax 0.5 ml SC Injection?
Varivax 0.5 ml SC Injection is a medicine that contains Varicella Virus Vaccine. It is made by Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Vaccines group of medicines.
What is Varivax used for?
Varicella Virus Vaccine is used for active immunization to prevent varicella (chickenpox) in people aged 12 months and older.
What are the side effects of Varivax?
Frequently reported adverse reactions (≥10%) with Varicella Virus Vaccine in children aged 1 to 12 years are fever of ≥102.0°F (38.9°C) measured orally, seen in 14.7%, and injection-site complaints, seen in 19.3%. In adolescents and adults aged 13 years and older, the frequently reported reactions (≥10%) are fever of ≥100.0°F (37.8°C) measured orally, in 10.2%, and injection-site complaints, in 24.4%.
Can I take Varivax during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Varicella Virus Vaccine must not be given to pregnant women. It contains live, attenuated varicella virus, and wild-type varicella virus caught during pregnancy is known to cause congenital varicella syndrome. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Varivax?
Keep the Varicella Virus Vaccine at 2 to 8° C. Don't let it freeze, and protect it from light.
Do I need a prescription for Varivax?
Varivax is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.