Varivax Vaccine is indicated for active immunization for prevention of chickenpox in individuals 12 months of age and older. It is generally given as an injection under the skin or into the muscle of the upper arm in two doses.
Varivax Vaccine is administered by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It protects the child from diseases that can be caused by the varicella virus. It is given to children between 12 months to 12 years of age and the second dose after a minimum gap of 3 months. For adolescents and adults as well, it is given in two doses a minimum of 4 weeks apart.
Some common side effects of this medicine include mild pain, swelling, and redness at the site of injection, rashes, and low-grade fever. These are usually temporary and resolve with time. However, if these side effects do not go away with time or get worse, let the doctor know. The doctor may help with ways to reduce or prevent these symptoms.
To make sure the vaccine is safe, before receiving the vaccine, it is important to let the doctor know if you have any other illnesses. You should also tell the doctor about all the medicines you are taking. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult and seek advice from their doctor before receiving the vaccine.
Varivax Vaccine is the most effective way of preventing chickenpox. It is given by a doctor or a nurse and should not be self-administered. However, chickenpox is highly contagious. You can help prevent the spread of chickenpox by practicing good hygiene and washing your hands frequently. Reduce your exposure to people who have chickenpox. If you already have chickenpox, stay at home until all of your blisters have dried and crusted over.
Side effects of Varivax Injection
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Varivax
Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
Fever
Rash
How to use Varivax Injection
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Varivax Injection works
Varivax Vaccine is a vaccine. It helps develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness, but it does stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies to protect against any future infections.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Varivax Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Varivax Vaccine is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Varivax Vaccine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Varivax Vaccine may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Varivax Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Varivax Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Varivax Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Varivax Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
What if you forget to take Varivax Injection?
If you miss a dose of Varivax Vaccine, please consult your doctor.\n
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
It is given as an injection under the skin or into the muscle of the upper arm.
It is given as two doses. The second dose is given 4 to 8 weeks after the first dose.
You may get a rash or mild fever, or you feel tired or sore at the site of the injection.
Do not take Varivax Vaccine if you are pregnant or have a weak immune system.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Vaccines
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
VACCINES
Action Class
Live attenuated vaccines
Patient concerns
Hi, Is there a vaccination available for chicken pox for adults ? What is the suggested dosage?
Dr. Sunil Sekhri
Diabetology
Varivax Vaccine recommended for paediatric use and also adults who never have been infected with chicklenpox.Get Varicella IgG antibody tire tested first
Hello i had aillment of shingles 3 weeks before and hence i took medicine for curing .and now it rashes have gone but black marks are there which is still very painfull. Now myy son is also sufferjng from chicken pox at 23 age.He had high fever and high headache a day before chikem pox rashes . Same symptoms are seen on me today . So are this symptoms of chicken pox. can a person with singles have chicken pox ??
Dr. Sunil Sekhri
Diabetology
It is unlikely the you will get chickenpox because one attack gives you lifelong immunity.
In immunocompetent children no specific therapy is indicated. Symptomatic treatment consists of Calamine lotion, cool compresses, possibly oral antihistamines at night to improve sleep. Keeping the skin cool may reduce the number of lesions. Scratching increases the risk of secondary bacterial infection - cut the child's nails short at the first sign of the disease. Avoid aspirin. Aciclovir is indicated in children with impaired immunity,
What were the side-effects while using Varivax Vaccine?
Fever
100%
How do you take Varivax Injection?
With or witho*
100%
*With or without food
Please rate Varivax Vaccine on price
Expensive
100%
FAQs
Is Varivax Vaccine live or inactivated?
Varivax Vaccine is a live attenuated virus vaccine. It contains a weakened virus that helps stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the actual infection causing virus. This helps protect the individual from getting infected in future, if exposed.
How is Varivax Vaccine administered?
Varivax Vaccine should be administered under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor and should not be self-administered. It is usually given as an injection under your skin, either in the upper arm or in the outer thigh. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Varivax Vaccine.
Who should not get Varivax Vaccine?
Varivax Vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to Varivax Vaccine or any of its ingredients or if they have had an allergic reaction to it earlier. Individuals who have compromised immunity such as HIV patients, and those that have fever must also refrain from getting vaccinated with Varivax Vaccine. Pregnant females too should not be administered Varivax Vaccine.
What are the possible side effects of Varivax Vaccine?
The possible side effects of Varivax Vaccine are fever, injection site itching, pain, skin rash, erythema (skin redness), and swelling. However, these are usually not bothersome and will resolve in sometime. If they don’t, consult your doctor.
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References
Sinha A, Singh S. Immunization and Immunodeficiency. In: Paul VK, Bagga A, editors. Ghai Essential Pediatrics. 8th ed. New Delhi: CBS Publisher's & Distributors Pvt Ltd.; 2013. p. 197.
Gershon AA. Live Attenuated Varicella Vaccine. J Infect Dis. 1997;1:130-134. [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from: