varicella virus (chickenpox) vaccine

What is the most important information I should know about this vaccine?

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving this vaccine?

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.

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.

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.

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?

What are the possible side effects of this vaccine?

• 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.

What other drugs will affect varicella virus vaccine?

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.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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.

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