VARICELLA VIRUS VACCINE (CHICKENPOX) - INJECTION

VARICELLA VIRUS VACCINE (CHICKENPOX) - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (VAR-i-SEL-a)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Varivax

GENERIC NAME(S): varicella virus vaccine live/PF

Uses

USES: This vaccine is used to help prevent varicella virus infection (commonly known as chickenpox). Chickenpox is a common childhood illness, but can cause more serious illnesses in people who have not yet had either chickenpox or this vaccine. Serious (rarely fatal) problems (such as pneumonia and inflammation of the liver or brain) may rarely occur from this infection, and first-time infections in adults may be very severe. It may also cause a very serious brain/liver condition called Reyes syndrome in children or teenagers. If you are infected while pregnant, your unborn infant may be harmed. Vaccination during childhood may help prevent this infection and the problems that can occur. The virus in this vaccine is alive, but it has been weakened (attenuated) and therefore has a decreased ability to cause illness. It works by helping the body produce immunity (protection) that will prevent you from getting chickenpox, or will lessen the seriousness of the infection. As with any vaccine, it may not fully protect everyone who receives it. People who get chickenpox after getting the vaccine usually have mild cases with fewer blisters, fewer fevers, and faster recoveries. The vaccine is recommended for children 12 months and older and adults who have not had chickenpox or received a varicella vaccination before.


How to use VARICELLA VIRUS VACCINE (CHICKENPOX) - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional. This vaccine is usually given by injection under the skin by a health care professional. Depending on the brand, children aged 12 months to 12 years usually receive 1 or 2 doses. Teenagers 13 years and older and adults usually receive 2 doses 4 to 8 weeks apart. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by the health care professional.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain/redness/bruising/swelling at the injection site, fever, or mild chickenpox-like rash may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your health care professional promptly. Remember that your health care professional has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your health care professional. Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving varicella virus vaccine, tell your health care professional if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as neomycin, gelatin), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details. Before using this vaccine, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of: illness with a high fever over 101 degrees F (38 degrees C), immune system problems (such as due to HIV infection, cancer treatment, organ transplant), decreased immune function from other medications (see also Drug Interactions), untreated tuberculosis (TB) infection. There is a small risk that you may expose others to infection with chickenpox for up to 6 weeks after you have been vaccinated. If you develop a rash after getting the vaccine, you should avoid being in the same room with people with immune system problems, pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, children/partners of mothers who have not had chickenpox, and newborn babies born at less than 28 weeks of pregnancy until the rash has dried and crusted over. This vaccine must not be used during pregnancy. There is some risk that it may harm an unborn baby. If you have been vaccinated with varicella virus vaccine, you should not become pregnant for at least 3 months after the vaccination. Discuss the possible risks with your health care professional. It is unknown if the varicella virus in this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this vaccine include: chemotherapy, corticosteroids (such as prednisone, dexamethasone), drugs that lower the immune system (such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolate), certain antiviral drugs (such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir). All children and teenagers should avoid aspirin or aspirin-like medications (such as salsalate) for 6 weeks after vaccination. Postpone vaccination with varicella vaccine for at least 5 months if you have received a blood transfusion or other blood products (such as immune globulin, varicella zoster immune globulin). You may not develop enough antibodies to protect you from infection. Other vaccines may be given at the same time as this vaccine, but they should be given with separate syringes and at different injection sites.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: Not applicable.

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Faq for VARICELLA VIRUS VACCINE (CHICKENPOX) - INJECTION

The varicella virus vaccine, commonly known as the chickenpox vaccine, is a vaccine that protects against the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox.

The vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus. When injected, it stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. These antibodies help prevent infection or reduce the severity of symptoms if a person is exposed to the virus in the future.

The vaccine is recommended for children and adolescents aged 12 months to 18 years who have not had chickenpox. It is also recommended for adults who have never had chickenpox or who have not been vaccinated before.

Most people have no side effects from the vaccine. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects like soreness or swelling at the injection site, fever, or a mild rash. Serious side effects are rare.

For children aged 12 months to 12 years, two doses of the vaccine are required, with at least 3 months between doses. For adolescents and adults, two doses are also recommended, but they should be administered at least 4 weeks apart.

While the vaccine is highly effective, it is not 100% guaranteed to prevent all cases of chickenpox. However, it significantly reduces the risk of getting the disease and decreases the severity of symptoms if infection occurs.

No, if an individual has already had chickenpox, they are considered immune and do not need the vaccine.

Studies have shown that the vaccine provides long-lasting immunity, but some individuals may still be susceptible to the virus later in life. However, even if a vaccinated person develops chickenpox, the symptoms are usually milder compared to those who have not received the vaccine.

Yes, the varicella virus vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines, including those recommended for children, such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.