Varicella Virus Vaccine (Injection)

Varicella Virus Vaccine (ver-a-SEL-la VYE-rus vak-seen)

Prevents varicella virus (chickenpox) in adults and children over 12 months old.

Brand Name(s):

Varivax
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, to gelatin, or to neomycin. You should not get this vaccine if you have a blood or bone marrow disorder, AIDS, tuberculosis, an infection with fever or if you are pregnant or are receiving anti-cancer medicines, corticosteroid medicine such as prednisone, or other medicines that keep your body from fighting infection.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• An SC injection is a shot that is given just under your skin (usually in the back of your upper arm).
• Your doctor or nurse will give you or your child the shot.
• Teenagers older than 13 and adults should have a "booster" shot 4 to 8 weeks after the first vaccine.
• Children 12 months to 12 years old only need one shot and no booster.

If a dose is missed:

• The booster shot needs to be given within 4 to 8 weeks after the first vaccine. Be sure to keep your appointment for the booster.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Children and teenagers should not take aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin (such as some cold medicines) for 6 weeks after being given varicella vaccine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• You may be able to pass the virus to other people after getting this vaccine. People who are most at risk of catching the virus from you are pregnant women, newborn babies, and people whose bodies cannot fight infection (such as with bone marrow disease, anti-cancer drug treatment, or AIDS). Talk to your doctor about this risk.
• If you develop a rash after getting the varicella vaccine, avoid close contact with people at high risk for catching the virus until after your rash is gone and any skin sores have completely healed.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have recently had a blood or plasma transfusion or if you have received immune globulin.
• Avoid getting pregnant for 3 months after getting this vaccine.
• If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before getting this vaccine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fever higher than 102° F

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Pain, redness, or rash where the shot is given
• All-over skin rash or pox
• Cough, chills, cold-like symptoms
• Nervousness, trouble sleeping
• Tiredness, headache
• Diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.