Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
vaccine
- 1350 plaque forming units/0.5mL
Varicella Immunization
Indicated for all adults without evidence of immunity to varicella
2 dose series: 0.5 mL SC/IM, repeat at least 4 weeks later
Vaccination Schedules
Up-to-date vaccination schedules available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/
Dosage Forms & Strengths
vaccine
- 1350 plaque forming units/0.5mL
Varicella Immunization
Indicated for routine immunization (ACIP guidelines)
Minimum age: 12 months
Routine vaccination
- 2 dose series: 0.5 mL SC/IM
- 1st dose: 12-15 months
- 2nd dose: 4-6 years; may be administered before age 4 yr, provided at least 3 months have elapsed since the first dose
- Note: If the 2nd dose was administered at least 4 weeks after the first dose, it can be accepted as valid
Catch-up vaccination aged 7-18 yr
- 7-12 years: 0.5 mL SC/IM x2 doses at least 3 months apart; if the second dose was administered at least 4 weeks after the first dose, it can be accepted as valid
- ≥13 years: 0.5 mL SC/IM x2 doses at least 4 weeks apart
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

Contraindicated (15)
- belimumab
belimumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Contraindicated. Do not administer live vaccines 30 days before or concurrently with belimumab.
- certolizumab pegol
certolizumab pegol decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Do not give live vaccines concurrently with certolizumab.
- famciclovir
famciclovir will decrease the level or effect of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Avoid famciclovir use 24 h before and 14 days following varicella vaccine.
- ibrutinib
ibrutinib decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3 mo after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.
- ifosfamide
ifosfamide decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3 mo. after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.
- ixekizumab
ixekizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Contraindicated. Ixekizumab may interfere with immune response of live vaccines and increase risk for vaccine adverse effects; prior to initiating ixekizumab, complete all age appropriate immunizations.
- lomustine
lomustine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3mo after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.
- mechlorethamine
mechlorethamine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3 mo after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.
- melphalan
melphalan decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3 mo. after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.
- methotrexate
methotrexate decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunization with live virus vaccines is generally not recommended.
- onasemnogene abeparvovec
onasemnogene abeparvovec decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Contraindicated. Adjust vaccinations to accommodate concomitant corticosteroid administration prior to and following onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion. Avoid live vaccines for at least 1 month when initiating or after high-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy administered for =2 weeks.
- oxaliplatin
oxaliplatin decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3 mo. after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.
- procarbazine
procarbazine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection). Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided for at least 3 mo after cessation of immunosuppressive therapy.
- secukinumab
secukinumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Contraindicated. Secukinumab may interfere with immune response of live vaccines and increase risk for vaccine adverse effects; prior to initiating secukinumab, complete all age appropriate immunizations.
- ustekinumab
ustekinumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by Mechanism: pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Prior initiating therapy, patients should receive all age-appropriate immunizations as recommended by current guidelines. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
Serious - Use Alternative (76)
- abrocitinib
abrocitinib decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Administration of live vaccines is not recommended during abrocitinib treatment and immediately before or after treatment.
- adalimumab
adalimumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- alefacept
alefacept decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- anakinra
anakinra decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- anifrolumab
anifrolumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Before initiation, update immunization according to current guidelines.
- antithymocyte globulin equine
antithymocyte globulin equine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- antithymocyte globulin rabbit
antithymocyte globulin rabbit decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- aspirin
aspirin, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.
- aspirin rectal
aspirin rectal, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.
- aspirin/citric acid/sodium bicarbonate
aspirin/citric acid/sodium bicarbonate, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.
- atoltivimab/maftivimab/odesivimab
atoltivimab/maftivimab/odesivimab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Ebola monoclonal antibodies may interfere with immune response of live vaccines. Refer to vaccine guidelines for vaccination timing during and following treatment. .
- axicabtagene ciloleucel
axicabtagene ciloleucel decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid live virus vaccines for at least 6 weeks before initiating lymphodepleting therapy, during axicabtagene ciloleucel treatment, and after treatment until full immune recovery is achieved.
- azathioprine
azathioprine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- balsalazide
balsalazide, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.
- baricitinib
baricitinib decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid use of live vaccines with baricitinib. Update immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines before initiating baricitinib.
- basiliximab
basiliximab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- brexucabtagene autoleucel
brexucabtagene autoleucel decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid live virus vaccines for at least 6 weeks before initiating lymphodepleting therapy, during brexucabtagene autoleucel treatment, and after treatment until full immune recovery is achieved.
- budesonide
budesonide decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- cabazitaxel
cabazitaxel decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Live attenuated vaccines should not be used in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Immunosuppressives may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects.
- canakinumab
canakinumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- choline magnesium trisalicylate
choline magnesium trisalicylate, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.
- ciltacabtagene autoleucel
ciltacabtagene autoleucel decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks before starting lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during CAR-T cell treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment. .
- cortisone
cortisone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- cyclosporine
cyclosporine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Avoid live vaccines in immunocompromised patients due to the risk of developing a clinical infection from the live vaccine. Inadequate immune response to the vaccine may also occur in the presence of immunosuppressants. Avoid live vaccines for at least 3 months after cessation of immunosuppressant therapy unless the benefit of vaccine administration outweighs the potential risk.
- deflazacort
deflazacort decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
deflazacort decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Do not administer live or live attenuated vaccines to patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. - dexamethasone
dexamethasone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- diflunisal
diflunisal, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.
- elivaldogene autotemcel
elivaldogene autotemcel, varicella virus vaccine live. Either decreases effects of the other by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: The safety and effectiveness of vaccination during or following elivaldogene autotemcel treatment have not been studied. Vaccination is not recommended during the 6 weeks preceding myeloablative conditioning, and until hematological recovery following elivaldogene autotemcel treatment. Where feasible, administer childhood vaccinations before myeloablative conditioning. .
- etanercept
etanercept decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- everolimus
everolimus decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- fingolimod
fingolimod decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid live attenuated vaccines during and for 2 months after stopping fingolimod.
- fludrocortisone
fludrocortisone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- glatiramer
glatiramer decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- golimumab
golimumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- guselkumab
guselkumab, varicella virus vaccine live. immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Prior to initiating guselkumab, complete all age appropriate immunizations. No data available on the ability of live or inactive vaccine to elicit an immune response in patients treated with guselkumab.
- hydrocortisone
hydrocortisone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- hydroxychloroquine sulfate
hydroxychloroquine sulfate decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- hydroxyurea
hydroxyurea decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Vaccination with live vaccines in a patient receiving hydroxyurea may diminish therapeutic effects of vaccines and increase risk of adverse effects (increased risk of infection).
- idecabtagene vicleucel
idecabtagene vicleucel decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks before starting lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during CAR-T cell treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment. .
- infliximab
infliximab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- leflunomide
leflunomide decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- mercaptopurine
mercaptopurine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- mesalamine
mesalamine, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.
- methylprednisolone
methylprednisolone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- muromonab CD3
muromonab CD3 decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- mycophenolate
mycophenolate decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- ocrelizumab
ocrelizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during ocrelizumab treatment and until B-cell repletion.
- ofatumumab SC
ofatumumab SC decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of ofatumumab SC for live or live-attenuated vaccines, and whenever possible.
- ozanimod
ozanimod decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid use of live-attenuated vaccines with ozanimod during treatment and for up to 3 months after discontinuing ozanimod. .
- ponesimod
ponesimod decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid use of live attenuated vaccines at least 1 month before initiating, during, and for 1-2 weeks after treatment. Coadministration with live attenuated vaccines may increase infection risk.
- prednisolone
prednisolone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- prednisone
prednisone decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- rilonacept
rilonacept decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- risankizumab
risankizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid use of live vaccines. Before starting risankizumab, complete age appropriate immunizations.
- rituximab
rituximab, varicella virus vaccine live. immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Safety of immunization with live viral vaccines following rituximab therapy has not been studied and vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended.
- rituximab-hyaluronidase
rituximab-hyaluronidase, varicella virus vaccine live. immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Safety of immunization with live viral vaccines following rituximab therapy has not been studied and vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended.
- salicylates (non-asa)
salicylates (non-asa), varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.
- salsalate
salsalate, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.
- sarilumab
sarilumab, varicella virus vaccine live. immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid concurrent use of live virus vaccines, owing to potentially increased risk of infections. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
- satralizumab
satralizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. ive vaccines are not recommended during treatment. Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines. At least 4 weeks before initiating for live or live-attenuated vaccines.
- siponimod
siponimod decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Pause vaccinations beginning 1 week before initiating siponimod and for 4 weeks after stopping treatment. Coadministration with live attenuated vaccines may increase infection risk.
- sirolimus
sirolimus decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- sulfasalazine
sulfasalazine, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.
- tacrolimus
tacrolimus decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- temsirolimus
temsirolimus decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- teplizumab
teplizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Administer all age-appropriate vaccinations before starting teplizumab. Live-attenuated vaccines are not recommended within 8 weeks before teplizumab treatment, during treatment, or up to 52 weeks after treatment.
- tildrakizumab
tildrakizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Before initiating tildrakizumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate immunizations according to current immunization guidelines. Avoid use of live vaccines in patients treated with tildrakizumab. No data are available on the response to live or inactive vaccines.
- tisagenlecleucel
tisagenlecleucel decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks before starting lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during CAR-T cell treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment. .
- tocilizumab
tocilizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- tralokinumab
tralokinumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid use of live vaccines. Before starting tralokinumab, complete age appropriate immunizations.
- triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension
triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- upadacitinib
upadacitinib decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- ustekinumab
ustekinumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Prior initiating therapy, patients should receive all age-appropriate immunizations as recommended by current guidelines. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- vedolizumab
vedolizumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid use of live virus vaccines while receiving vedolizumab; live vaccines may be administered concurrently with vedolizumab only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
- voclosporin
voclosporin decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines. Avoid live vaccines for at least 3 months after immunosuppressants.
- willow bark
willow bark, varicella virus vaccine live. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of Reye's Syndrome with combination; avoid salicylate use for 6 wks after vaccination.
Monitor Closely (15)
- anthrax immune globulin
anthrax immune globulin decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Immune globulin administration may impair the efficacy of live attenuated vaccines. Defer vaccination with live virus vaccines until ~3 months after administration of anthrax IG. Revaccinate people who received anthrax IG shortly after live virus vaccination following 3 months after the administration of anthrax IG.
- belatacept
belatacept decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: The use of live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with belatacept. Inform patients that vaccinations may be less effective while they are being treated with belatacept.
- betibeglogene autotemcel
betibeglogene autotemcel, varicella virus vaccine live. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Follow institutional guidelines for vaccine administration. Safety of live vaccines during or following treatment not studied. .
- cytomegalovirus immune globulin (CMV IG)
cytomegalovirus immune globulin (CMV IG) decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 3 months.
- dengue vaccine
dengue vaccine, varicella virus vaccine live. unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. Data are not available to establish safety and immunogenicity of coadministration of dengue vaccine with recommended adolescent vaccines.
- hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG)
hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 3 months.
- immune globulin IM (IGIM)
immune globulin IM (IGIM) decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 3 months.
- immune globulin IV (IGIV)
immune globulin IV (IGIV) decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 3 months.
- immune globulin SC
immune globulin SC decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- leniolisib
leniolisib decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Live, attenuated vaccinations may be less effective if administered during leniolisib treatment.
- obinutuzumab
obinutuzumab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Immunization with live virus vaccines is not recommended during obinutuzumab treatment and until after B-cell recovery.
- rabies immune globulin, human (RIG)
rabies immune globulin, human (RIG) decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 3 months.
- tetanus immune globulin (TIG)
tetanus immune globulin (TIG) decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 3 months.
- ublituximab
ublituximab decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines at least 4 weeks before initiating ublituximab for live or live-attenuated vaccines and, whenever possible, at least 2 weeks before initiating for non-live vaccines. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended during treatment and until B-cell repletion. Do not administer live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants of mothers exposed to ublituximab during pregnancy, before confirming recovery of B-cell counts as measured by CD19+ B cells.
- vaccinia immune globulin intravenous
vaccinia immune globulin intravenous decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Defer live vaccines for 3 months after immune globulin administration.
Minor (2)
- chloroquine
chloroquine decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- Rho(D) immune globulin
Rho(D) immune globulin decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Separate by 3 months.
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%)
Postmarketing Reports
Body as a whole: Anaphylaxis (including anaphylactic shock) and related phenomena such as angioneurotic edema, facial edema, and peripheral edema
Eye disorders: Necrotizing retinitis (in immunocompromised individuals)
Hemic and lymphatic system: Aplastic anemia; thrombocytopenia (including ITP)
Infections and infestations: Varicella (vaccine strain)
Nervous/psychiatric: Encephalitis; cerebrovascular accident; transverse myelitis; Guillain-Barré syndrome; Bell palsy; ataxia; nonfebrile seizures; aseptic meningitis; dizziness; paresthesia
Respiratory: Pharyngitis; pneumonia/pneumonitis
Skin: Stevens-Johnson syndrome; erythema multiforme; Henoch-SchÖnlein purpura; secondary bacterial infections of skin and soft tissue, including impetigo and cellulitis; herpes zoster
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to gelatin, neomycin, or any component of the vaccine
Pregnancy
HIV: CD4+ count <200 cells/mcL
Immunosuppressed or immunodeficient patients with lymphomas, leukemia, or malignant neoplasms affecting bone marrow or lymphatic system
Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy including immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids
Primary and acquired immunodeficiency states
Current febrile illness (>101.3°F)
Active untreated tuberculosis
Cautions
Avoid contact with high risk individuals up to 5 wk after vaccination
Thermolabile: store at temperature -20°C or colder
Syncope accompanied by transient visual disturbances, weakness, or tonic-clonic movements reported with injectable vaccines
Postpone administration in patients with moderate or severe illness with or without fever; may administer to patients with mild illness with or without fever
Avoid pregnancy for 3 months following therapy
Defer vaccination in individuals with a family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency until individual's immune status evaluated and found to be immunocompetent
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommendations on use of varicella vaccine in HIV-infected individuals
Immunoglobulins (IG) and other blood products should not be given concomitantly with this vaccine; the products may contain antibodies that interfere with vaccine virus replication and decrease expected immune response
The ACIP has specific recommendations for intervals between administration of antibody-containing products and live virus vaccine
Avoid use of salicylates (aspirin) or salicylate-containing products in children and adolescents 12 months through 17 years of age for six weeks following vaccination because of association of Reye syndrome with salicylate therapy and wild-type varicella infection
Risk of vaccine virus transmission
- Post-marketing experience suggests that transmission of varicella vaccine virus (Oka/Merck) resulting in varicella infection including disseminated disease may occur between vaccine recipients (who develop or do not develop a varicella-like rash) and contacts susceptible to varicella including healthy as well ashigh-risk individuals
- Due to concern for transmission of vaccine virus, vaccine recipients should attempt to avoid whenever possible close association with susceptible high-risk individuals for up to six weeks following vaccination with this vaccine
- Susceptible high-risk individuals include Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women without documented history of varicella or laboratory evidence of prior infection, newborn infants of mothers without documented history of varicella or laboratory evidence of prior infection and all newborn infants born at <28 weeks gestation regardless of maternal varicella immunity
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: X
Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; use caution
Pregnancy Categories
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
Mechanism of Action
Live, attenuated varicella virus stimulates active immunity to disease caused by varicella-zoster virus
Conveys active immunity via stimulation of production of endogenously produced antibodies
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: 4-6 weeks (seroconversion)
Duration: Antibody titers detected at 10 years following vaccination
Administration
SC or IM Preparation
Use a sterile syringe free of preservatives, antiseptics, and detergents for each reconstitution and injection, because these substances may inactivate the vaccine virus
When reconstituting, only use sterile diluent supplied as it does not contain preservatives or other antiviral substances which might inactivate the vaccine virus.
Withdraw total volume of supplied sterile diluent and inject into lyophilized vaccine in vial; agitate to dissolve completely
Discard if lyophilized vaccine cannot be dissolved
Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration; discard if particulates observed or if it appears discolored (should appear a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid)
To minimize loss of potency, administer immediately after reconstitution; discard if reconstituted vaccine not used within 30 minutes
SC or IM Administration
Withdraw entire amount of reconstituted vaccine from vial, inject total volume SC/IM and discard vial
Storage
Unopened frozen lyophilized product
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During shipping
- Maintain temperature between −58ºF and +5ºF (−50ºC and −15ºC)
- Use of dry ice may subject vaccine to temperatures colder than −58ºF (−50ºC)
- Protect from light
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Before reconstitution
- Freeze at temperature between −58ºF and +5ºF (−50ºC and −15ºC)
- Any freezer (eg, chest, frost-free) that reliably maintains an average temperature between as defined above and has a separate sealed freezer door is acceptable for storing
- Routine defrost cycling of a frost-free freezer is acceptable
- May be refrigerated at 36-46ºF (2-8ºC) for up to 72 continuous hr before reconstitution; discard if not used within 72 hr of removal freezer
- Protect from light
Unopened refrigerator-stable lyophilized product
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During shipping
- Maintain temperature of 2-8ºC or colder (36-46ºF or colder), but do not exceed temperatures lower than -50ºC (-58ºF)
- Use of dry ice may subject vaccine to temperatures colder than −58ºF (−50ºC)
- Protect from light
-
Before reconstitution
- Shelf-life of 24 months when refrigerated at 2-8ºC or colder (36-46ºF or colder)
- May also be stored in a freezer; if subsequently transferred to refrigerator, DO NOT REFREEZE
- Protect from light
Diluent vial
- Store separately at room temperature (20-25ºC [68-77ºF]), or refrigerate
Images
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.