What Is the Varicella Vaccine?
As with any vaccine, the varicella vaccine may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the vaccine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well, with only minor side effects (if any).
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Injection site reactions, such as pain or redness
- Fever
- Chickenpox-like rash.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Getting Vaccinated?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to receiving the varicella vaccine if you have:
- An immune-suppressing condition such as HIV or AIDS, diabetes, or cancer
- Had any sort of a reaction to any vaccine in the past
- Epilepsy or any other nervous system disorder
- An illness or infection (such as the flu)
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Had a recent stroke
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns
People who are concerned about exposure to thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative) can be confident that this vaccine contains no thimerosal, not even in trace amounts. Some people are concerned about aluminum content of vaccines; this vaccine contains no aluminum.
However, this vaccine is made using cell lines developed from aborted human fetuses and guinea pigs.
How Does Varicella Vaccine Work?
Simply stated, the varicella vaccine "tricks" the body into thinking it has been exposed to chickenpox. The body produces antibodies that will help fight the virus if future exposure occurs.
This vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine. This means that it contains the living virus which has been altered in such a way as to prevent it from actually causing disease. However, the body's immune system still responds to it, providing future protection from the disease.
In general, live vaccines provide better protection from infections (compared to other types of vaccines) but can, in rare cases, actually cause the disease, particularly in people who have very weakened immune systems.
When and How to Get Vaccinated
Some general considerations include the following:
- This vaccine is given as two separate doses, given at least one to three months apart (depending on the age of the individual).
- The varicella vaccine is given subcutaneously (just under the skin) on the upper arm.
- Individuals can be vaccinated if they have a minor illness, such as the common cold. However, the vaccine should be postponed if the individual is moderately or severely ill.
Varicella Vaccine Dosing
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this vaccine, although the exact vaccine "schedule" varies, depending on the age of the individual at the first dose.
The varicella vaccine should be stored in the freezer. The diluent (the liquid portion that is mixed with the vaccine) can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Once mixed, this vaccine must be used within 30 minutes.
Is There a Generic Version?
Who Makes the Varicella Vaccine?
The varicella vaccine is made by Merck & Co., Inc.
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