Adult Dosing & Uses
Dosing Forms & Strengths
vaccine
- 0.5mL
Varicella Immunization
Adult: 0.5 mL SC, repeat 4-8 weeks later
Additional Information
Up-to-date vaccination schedules available at www.cdc.gov/nip/publications
Other Indications & Uses
Children 12 months of age and up without evidence of immunity
Adults without evidence of immunity
Health care personnel & caretakers of immunocompromised persons
Those at risk for exposure/transmission
Pediatric Dosing & Uses
Dosing Forms & Strengths
vaccine
- 0.5mL
Varicella Immunization
<12 months old: not recommended
12 months old - 12 years old: 0.5 mL SC, repeat 3 month later or more
13 years: As adults
AAP recommends immunization of all healthy 12 months old
Drug Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Adverse Effects
Suspected adverse events after administration of any vaccine may be reported to Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS), 1-800-822-7967
>10%
Injection site swelling/rash/pruritus/erythema (20%)
Fever >102°F [39°C] (15%)
1-10%
Varicella-like rash (8%)
URI
Cough
Irritability
Vomiting
Otitis
Diaper rash
Contraindications & Cautions
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to gelatin, neomycin
Pregnancy
HIV: CD4+ count <200 cells/mcL
Other immunosuppression (excl medications & radiation)
Active TB
Methotrexate: risk of infection with live virus
Cautions
Avoid contact w/ high risk individuals up to 5 wk after vaccination
Do not give concurrently w/ any form of immune globulin
Thermolabile: store at temperature -20°C or colder
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk
A:Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B:May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C:Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D:Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X:Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA:Information not available.
Pharmacology
These products convey active immunity via stimulation of production of endogenously produced antibodies
The onset of protection from disease is relatively slow, but duration is long lasting (years)
Duration: unknown (likely 5-10 yr)
Mechanism of Action
Live, attenuated varicella virus stimulates active immunity
