The Web Health

Subscribe

Varicella virus (chickenpox) vaccine

Generic name: varicella virus (chickenpox) vaccine [var-i-SELL-a-VYE-rus-vak-SEEN]

Brand name: Varivax
Dosage form: injectable powder for injection (-)
Drug class: viral vaccines

What is the Varicella virus vaccine?

Varicella (commonly called chickenpox) is one of the most typical childhood diseases that triggers fever as well as skin eruptions and the appearance of blisters filled with fluid on the skin.The Varicella virus vaccine can be used to fight this disease in children and adults who are twelve months of age.

This vaccine is a way of exposing the patient to a small dose of the virus's protein, which causes the body to build up immunity to the disease. This vaccine cannot treat an active disease that is already present in your body.As with all vaccines, the varicella virus vaccine might not be able to protect against disease for everyone.

Side effect of Vaccine

Contact emergency medical assistance. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction (hives, breathing problems, and swelling of your throat or face) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burnt eyes, irritation, and a red or purple skin eruption with peeling and blisters),

It is not recommended that you get a booster shot in the event of a life-threatening allergic reaction following the initial shot. Note down any side effects you experience following the vaccine. If you get another dose, you'll need to inform your doctor if your previous shot has caused any adverse side effects.

The varicella virus (chickenpox) vaccine may cause serious side effects. Contact your physician immediately if you are suffering from:

  • Problems with walking
  • Seizures;
  • Serious skin conditions or skin infections;
  • The fever, chills, cough with mucus, chest pains, and feeling tired
  • Stiff neck, mild sensitivity;
  • Confusion;
  • Simple bruises, red or purple spots that appear under your skin,
  • A sudden weakness or numbness on the opposite part of your body, issues in speech or vision, and swelling or pain on one side of the leg

Common adverse reactions include:

  • Irritability;
  • Fever;
  • It may look like the appearance of chickenpox,
  • Redness, itching, pain, or swelling at the site of the shot were administered.

This list does not represent all possible side effects; others could arise. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967. US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967

Similar or related drugs

Varicella virus vaccine, Varivax

Warnings

It is not recommended to be given a booster vaccination when you have experienced a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction following the initial shot. It is also recommended not to receive this vaccine if you suffer from an illness that causes fever or an active tuberculosis that isn't currently being managed or have a compromised immune system.

It is not recommended to take this vaccine if you are expecting. Make use of an effective method of birth control in order to stop pregnancy for 3 months following having received a varicella vaccination.

Before you take this drug

It is not recommended to get this vaccine if you are sensitive to gelatin and neomycin or have had an allergic reaction to a vaccine that contains varicella.

Also, you should not get this vaccine if:

  • Fever;
  • Active tuberculosis is not being treated.
  • The severe suppression of your immune system results from a condition (such as cancer, HIV, or AIDS) or receiving certain drugs like chemotherapy, steroids, or radiation.
  • If you are expecting or planning to become pregnant within the next three months,

May cause birth defects. Avoid receiving the varicella vaccine when you are expecting. It is essential to utilize an effective method of birth control a minimum of 3 months after the last dose. Consult your physician when you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor if:

  • You are suffering from an insufficient immune system.
  • Members of your household have an insufficient immune system or
  • You have recently received a transfer of blood or been given immunoglobulin or blood products.

Check with your doctor to see whether it is safe to breastfeed while taking the varicella virus (chickenpox) vaccination.

How to take the Varicella virus?

The vaccine is administered as an injectable shot through the skin or in muscles. The injection is given at a doctor's office, clinic, or pharmacy.Anyone who has not experienced chickenpox or received this vaccine is advised to receive one or two doses of the varicella vaccine.

Children between 1 and 12 years old must receive two doses. The second dose can be administered three months after the initial, but it may be delayed until the child is between 4 and 6 years old.

Anyone who is at least 13 years old and has not experienced chickenpox or had an anti-varicella vaccination should take two doses of the vaccine, 4–8 weeks apart.The schedule you have for your individual booster may differ from these guidelines. Follow the advice of your physician or the schedule suggested by the nearby health agency.

The vaccine may cause false results in an examination of the skin for tuberculosis, lasting up to six weeks. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you that you've received an anti-varicella virus vaccination within the last 4 to six weeks.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Varicella-Zoster—Prophylaxis:

0.5 milliliters (1 dose) in the subcutaneous area of the deltoid or anterior lateral thigh
Comments:
Do 2 doses for a minimum of 4 weeks between each dose.
Utilization: Active vaccination to prevent varicella in people aged 12 months and over

Usual Pediatric Dose for Varicella-Zoster—Prophylaxis:

0.5 milliliters (1 dose) subcutaneously into the thigh's anterolateral or deltoid thigh
Comments:
Children under 13 years old: give a second dose; give two doses in three months at a minimum.
Children 13 years old and older take two doses for a minimum of four weeks between each dose.
Utilization: Active vaccination to prevent varicella in people aged 12 months and over

What happens if I miss the dose?

You must take all recommended doses of this vaccine; otherwise, you could not be completely protected from the disease.

What happens if I overdose?

A dose of the vaccine that is too high is highly unlikely.

What should be avoided?

At least six weeks following the onset of the varicella vaccination, avoid coming into contact with infants, pregnant women who've not had chickenpox before, and anyone with weak immunity. There is a risk that you can transmit the virus to someone who is immune weak or has a lack of immunity to chickenpox.

Interaction with other drug

For people who are under the age of 18: Don't take a salicylate medication (such as aspirin, Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol, and many others) for at least six weeks following the administration of the varicella vaccine. Salicylates may cause Reye's syndrome. It is a fatal and often fatal condition that can strike children and teens with chickenpox, and the varicella virus found in this vaccine may expose you to a tiny amount of the virus.

Other medications can influence this vaccine, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about any other medications you take.