Varicella virus vaccine, live (By injection)

Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live (var-i-SEL-a VYE-rus VAX-een, lyve)

Prevents chicken pox. This is caused by the varicella virus.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you or your child this vaccine. This vaccine is given as a shot under your skin or into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Most people will need 2 shots of this vaccine. Children usually receive one shot at 12 to 15 months of age and a second shot between 4 and 6 years of age. Teenagers and adults should have a second shot 4 weeks after the first dose.
• Missed dose: It is important that Varivax® be given at the proper time. If a scheduled shot is missed, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• You should not receive this vaccine if you are using medicine that weakens the immune system (including cancer medicine or steroid medicine).
• Talk to your doctor before you get any live virus vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Some vaccines may not work as well while you are receiving this medicine.
• Children should not take aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin (including cold medicines) for 6 weeks after receiving this vaccine.
• You may receive this vaccine at least 5 months after receiving a blood or plasma transfusion, or immune globulin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not become pregnant for 3 months after you receive this vaccine.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have received a blood transfusion, other blood products, or an immune globulin.
• You may be able to pass the virus to other people after you receive this vaccine. You should avoid close contact with people at high risk for chickenpox for 6 weeks after you receive this vaccine. Some examples of people who are at high risk are pregnant women, newborn babies, and those with immune system problems (including bone marrow disease, cancer, or AIDS). Talk to your doctor if you have questions.
• You will need to have a skin test for tuberculosis before the vaccine is given, or on the same day the vaccine is given, or at least 4 weeks after you receive this vaccine. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home has ever had a positive reaction to a tuberculosis skin test.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Cough, chills, runny or stuffy nose, cold-like symptoms
• High fever (at least 102°F in children)

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

• Ear pain
• Mild skin rash, itching, or dryness
• Pain, redness, itching, swelling, rash, or a lump where the shot was given

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 4/23/2024