VARICELLA VIRUS VACCINE (SHINGLES) LIVE - INJECTION

VARICELLA VIRUS VACCINE (SHINGLES) LIVE - INJECTION

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zostavax

GENERIC NAME(S): zoster vaccine live/PF

Uses

USES: This medication is a vaccine used to prevent zoster (shingles) in adults 50 years and older. Zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have been infected with chickenpox (usually in childhood), the virus can live in your body's nerve roots in an inactive form. For reasons that are not fully understood, the virus may become active again. This causes shingles with symptoms of rash, blisters, and pain. This vaccine works by boosting the body's natural defense (immunity) against the zoster virus so that symptoms of shingles do not develop. It should not be used for treating active shingles, nerve pain caused by shingles, or for the prevention of chickenpox. This vaccine should not be used in children.


How to use VARICELLA VIRUS VACCINE (SHINGLES) LIVE - 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 given by injection under the skin by a health care professional. It is usually given in the upper arm.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Redness, itching, swelling, warmth, bruising, and pain at the injection site may occur. Headache or fever may also 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. Tell your health care professional right away if you have any serious side effects, including: chickenpox. 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 you receive this vaccine, tell the 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 receiving this vaccine, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of: current fever/illness, immune system problems (e.g., due to HIV, cancer treatment, organ transplant), previous reaction to other vaccine, untreated active tuberculosis. This vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Pregnancy should also be avoided for 3 months after receiving this vaccine. Consult your health care professional for more details. It is unknown if 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: cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids (such as prednisone, dexamethasone), drugs that lower the immune system (such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus), certain antiviral drugs (such as acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: Not applicable.

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Faq for VARICELLA VIRUS VACCINE (SHINGLES) LIVE - INJECTION

Varicella virus vaccine is a vaccine that provides protection against the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles.

The varicella virus vaccine is given as an injection, typically in the arm. It may also be given as part of a combination vaccine, such as the MMRV vaccine (which also protects against measles, mumps, and rubella).

The vaccine is recommended for children between 12-15 months of age and is typically given in two doses, with the second dose administered between 4-6 years of age. It is also recommended for adults who have never had chickenpox or received the vaccine.

Yes, the varicella virus vaccine is considered safe and well-tolerated. Like any vaccine, it may cause mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or a rash. Serious side effects are rare.

The varicella virus vaccine is made from a weakened form of the virus and can rarely cause a mild form of shingles in some individuals. However, the vaccine greatly reduces the risk and severity of shingles compared to getting chickenpox naturally.

The varicella virus vaccine is very effective at preventing chickenpox. It provides approximately 90% protection against the disease after one dose, and over 95% protection after two doses. It also reduces the risk of developing severe complications of chickenpox.

The varicella virus vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women, as it contains live virus and there is a small risk of the vaccine causing harm to the fetus. If a woman is planning to become pregnant, it is advised to receive the vaccine before pregnancy.

The varicella virus vaccine is generally not recommended for individuals with severely weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation. However, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider in such cases.

Studies have shown that the immunity provided by the varicella virus vaccine lasts for at least 10-20 years in most individuals. However, some people may experience a breakthrough infection if they are exposed to the virus years later.



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.