Varivax
Varivax, the chickenpox vaccine, is a live vaccine used to prevent chickenpox (varicella) infection. The CDC recommends Varivax (varicella vaccine) as a routine childhood vaccine, but adults can receive it too if they need to catch up. Varivax (varicella vaccine) is given as an injection into the muscle or under the skin for a total of 2 doses. Because it's a live vaccine, certain people shouldn't receive this shot, such as those who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. Side effects include injection-site reactions (e.g., pain, swelling, redness) and fever.
What is Varivax (varicella vaccine)?
What is Varivax (varicella vaccine) used for?
- Prevention of chickenpox (varicella)
How Varivax (varicella vaccine) works
Varivax (varicella vaccine) is a live attenuated vaccine that protects you against chickenpox (varicella), a viral infection. The vaccine triggers your immune system to make antibodies against the virus. These antibodies help fight off the virus if you’re exposed to it in the future.
Drug facts
Side effects of Varivax (varicella vaccine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Age 12 months to 12 years:
- Injection site reaction (19%)
- Fever (15%)
- Chickenpox-like rash (Up to 4%)
Age over 12 years:
- Injection site reaction (24-33%)
- Fever (10%)
- Chickenpox-like rash (Up to 6%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fussiness
- Diarrhea
- General feeling of discomfort
- Itching
- Chills
- Muscle pain
Varivax (varicella vaccine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, itching, dizziness, fever, shaking, nausea, flushing, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain
The following Varivax (varicella vaccine) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Fever over 39°C (102°F)
Less common
Blue lips and fingernails
chickenpox-like skin rash
coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
decreased urine output
difficult, fast, or noisy breathing
dilated neck veins
extreme tiredness or weakness
general feeling of discomfort or illness
increased sweating
irregular breathing
irregular heartbeat
irritability
pale skin
swelling of the ankles, face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
tightness in the chest
Rare
Black, tarry stools
blood in the urine or stools
chills
confusion
difficulty with breathing or swallowing
itching, especially of the feet or hands
muscle or joint pain
pinpoint red spots on the skin
reddening of the skin, especially around the ears
seizures with high fever
severe or continuing headache
stiff neck
swelling of the glands in the neck
thickening of bronchial secretions
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness, sudden and severe
vomiting
Incidence not known
Back pain, sudden and severe
bleeding gums
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
bloody nose
blurred vision
bruising more easily
dizziness
fast heartbeat
headache
heavier menstrual periods
inability to move the arms and legs
inability to speak
large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of bladder control
muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
painful blisters on the trunk of the body
painful knees and ankles
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
raised red swellings on the skin, buttocks, legs, or ankles
red, irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
seizures
shakiness and unsteady walk
skin rash
slurred speech
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
stomach pain
sudden loss of consciousness
sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs
swollen or painful glands
temporary blindness
tingling of the hands or feet
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual weight gain or loss
weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe
weakness of the muscles in your face
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Fever of 37.7°C (100°F) or higher, but not above 39°C (102°F)
hives, itching, pain, redness, soreness, tenderness, or warmth at the injection site
Less common
Common cold
congestion
cracked, dry, or scaly skin
disturbed sleep
heat rash or prickly heat
lack or loss of strength
loss of appetite
muscle ache, cramp, or stiffness
nervousness
skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing
swelling
swollen joints
teething
Incidence not known
body aches or pain
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
difficulty with moving
dryness or soreness of the throat
hoarseness
pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin
red rash with watery, yellow-colored, or pus-filled blisters
thick yellow to honey-colored crusts
voice changes
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Varivax (varicella vaccine)
Pros
- Works very well to protect against chickenpox
- Lowers your risk of getting shingles later in life
- Available at most pharmacies and clinics
Cons
- Not safe for people who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems
- Injection given into the muscle or under the skin by a healthcare professional
- Only available as a brand-name medication
Pharmacist tips for Varivax (varicella vaccine)
- Read the Vaccine Information Statement for more information on Varivax (varicella vaccine).
- Don't get Varivax (varicella vaccine) if you're sick, especially if you have a fever greater than 101.3°F. You typically need to until you recover first. Ask your primary care provider about when to receive the vaccination.
- Keep a record of all your immunizations and show it to your healthcare professional before receiving any vaccine, including Varivax (varicella vaccine). This is helpful for your care team in figuring out what vaccines you need.
- Side effects like fever, headache, stomach pain, and weakness are common within 1 to 2 days of receiving Varivax (varicella vaccine). But if they last longer and are severe, contact your primary care provider.
- It's possible to have a fever or a rash that looks like chickenpox after getting Varivax (varicella vaccine), especially if it's your first dose. The rash is temporary and typically doesn't last too long.
- If you get a severe reaction to Varivax (varicella vaccine), you or your healthcare professional can report it to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) by visiting their website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
- If you think you might be due for other vaccinations, let your healthcare professional know. They can double check whether or not you're able to get them on the same day as Varivax (varicella vaccine).
- Let your care team know if you're allergic to neomycin or gelatin because you might be allergic to Varivax (varicella vaccine).
- Children under 18 years old should avoid taking aspirin and other salicylate-containing products (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol)) for at least 6 weeks after receiving Varivax (varicella vaccine). This is because there's a higher risk of Reye's syndrome.
- Avoid being around people with weakened immune systems and premature babies for 6 weeks after receiving Varivax (varicella vaccine). This is because the live vaccine could potentially cause them to get sick with chickenpox.
Common questions about Varivax (varicella vaccine)
Though it's not entirely clear how long protection from Varivax (varicella vaccine) lasts, most people who received two doses should be protected for life. While studies show protection for at least 10 to 20 years, it's likely longer, as these studies were done when varicella infections were more common and before widespread vaccination. The current recommendation for completing the series of Varivax (varicella vaccine) is two doses. Booster doses or re-vaccination aren't currently recommended.
According to the CDC, vaccination against varicella from Varivax (varicella vaccine) is recommended as a 2-dose series. The first dose is recommended at ages 12 to 15 months, and the second dose is recommended at around age 4 to 6 years. For children who didn't get vaccinated during these time frames, people ages 7 years and older can still receive Varivax (varicella vaccine) to catch up. Talk to your primary care provider if you're not sure if and when you need to receive Varivax (varicella vaccine).
The complete Varivax (varicella vaccine) series is 2 doses, not 1. Though research shows you still get some protection after 1 dose, it's important to complete the series for the most protection. Talk to your primary care provider if you have questions about getting a second dose of Varivax (varicella vaccine).
Yes, Varivax (varicella vaccine) is a live vaccine. This means the vaccine is made up of a weakened form of the varicella virus. When injected, your body's immune system will start to make antibodies against this virus. Because Varivax (varicella vaccine) is a live vaccine, it shouldn't be used in people who have a weakened immune system (e.g., cancer, HIV, taking immunosuppressant medications), those who are sick with a fever, or people who are pregnant.
Yes, it's still possible to get chickenpox even if you receive the Varivax (varicella vaccine), but it's rare. Studies show 98% of people who received the 2-dose series were protected. But even if you get infected, people who are vaccinated tend to have milder symptoms lasting a shorter time compared to those who are unvaccinated.
Yes. Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It's possible to get shingles after Varivax (varicella vaccine). But the risk of shingles from Varivax (varicella vaccine) is much lower than the risk of shingles from a chickenpox infection.
No, you usually don't need to receive Varivax (varicella vaccine) if you've already had chickenpox. This is because your body has already been exposed to the virus. Your immune system has made antibodies against the virus that protect you for life. Talk to your primary care provider if you're not sure if you need to receive Varivax (varicella vaccine).
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Risks and warnings for Varivax (varicella vaccine)
Varivax (varicella vaccine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Life-threatening allergic reactions
- Risk factors: Allergy to neomycin | Allergy to gelatin
As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to Varivax (varicella vaccine). Your healthcare professional (HCP) might ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short time after getting your vaccine to make sure you can receive proper care if a serious allergic reaction occurs. But sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as feeling faint, swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives or rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.
Family history of a weakened immune system
- Risk factors: Family history of immune system conditions | HIV
If you have a family history of genetic immune system problems or if you have HIV, speak with your HCP before getting Varivax (varicella vaccine). You might have to be given Varivax (varicella vaccine) in a very specific way to make sure you don't get sick from the vaccine. Your prescriber might also have to run blood tests to see if you're healthy enough to receive this vaccine.
Vaccine shedding
Because Varivax (varicella vaccine) is a live vaccine, it's possible for you to spread very small amounts of the varicella virus after your dose, but it's very rare. This is called vaccine shedding and is generally not a problem. To be safe, you might want to avoid being around certain people for 6 weeks after getting Varivax (varicella vaccine). This includes people with weakened immune systems, people taking medications that weaken their immune systems (e.g., chemotherapy, long-term steroids, biologic or transplant medications), those who are pregnant who aren't immune to chickenpox, newborn infants whose mothers aren't immune to chickenpox, and premature infants. Speak with your HCP if you have more questions about this potential problem.
Immune globulins and transfusions
- Risk factors: People receiving immune globulins, blood, plasma transfusions
If you receive immune globulins or blood and plasma transfusions, ask your care team about when you should receive Varivax (varicella vaccine). They need to space out the timing of your immune globulin or blood or plasma transfusion from Varivax (varicella vaccine) because these products can interact with the vaccine and affect how well it works to protect you from chickenpox. If you received these blood products unexpectedly after getting Varivax (varicella vaccine), contact your primary care provider. You might need to have blood tests done to see if Varivax (varicella vaccine) worked.
Reye's syndrome
- Risk factors: Children under 18 years old taking aspirin
Children under 18 years should avoid taking aspirin and other salicylate-containing products (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol)) for at least 6 weeks after receiving Varivax (varicella vaccine). Taking these after receiving the vaccination raises the risk for a serious condition called Reye's syndrome that causes liver damage and brain swelling. If your child needs medication for pain or fever, speak with your child's pediatrician for safer recommendations.
Varivax (varicella vaccine) dosage
Vial| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5ml | 1 vial | $195.92 | $195.92 |
Typical dosage for Varivax (varicella vaccine)
Varivax (varicella vaccine) is given as an injection into the muscle or under the skin.
- Age 12 months to 12 years: Varivax (varicella vaccine) is given in two doses. The two doses should be separated by at least 3 months.
- The first dose is typically given between the ages of 12 and 15 months.
- The second dose is typically given between the ages of 4 and 6 years.
- Age over 12 years: Varivax (varicella vaccine) is given in two doses.
- You can get the first dose at any time you choose.
- The second dose should be given at least 4 weeks after the first dose.
Interactions between Varivax (varicella vaccine) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this vaccine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to use this vaccine or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Alemtuzumab
- Bendamustine
- Bortezomib
- Bosutinib
- Cabazitaxel
- Capecitabine
- Carboplatin
- Carfilzomib
- Carmustine
- Chlorambucil
- Cisplatin
- Cladribine
- Clofarabine
- Cyclophosphamide
- Cytarabine
- Cytarabine Liposome
- Dacarbazine
- Dasatinib
- Daunorubicin
- Daunorubicin Citrate Liposome
- Daunorubicin Liposome
- Deflazacort
- Docetaxel
- Doxorubicin
- Epirubicin
- Etoposide
- Fludarabine
- Fluorouracil
- Gemcitabine
- Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin
- Hydroxyurea
- Idarubicin
- Ifosfamide
- Imatinib
- Interferon Alfa
- Irinotecan
- Irinotecan Liposome
- Lomustine
- Mechlorethamine
- Melphalan
- Mercaptopurine
- Methotrexate
- Mitomycin
- Mitoxantrone
- Nelarabine
- Nilotinib
- Ofatumumab
- Oxaliplatin
- Paclitaxel
- Paclitaxel Protein-Bound
- Pemetrexed
- Pentostatin
- Ponatinib
- Procarbazine
- Rituximab
- Temozolomide
- Teniposide
- Thiotepa
- Topotecan
- Tositumomab
- Vinblastine
- Vinorelbine
Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Adalimumab
- Ansuvimab-zykl
- Antithymocyte Globulin Rabbit
- Aspirin
- Atoltivimab
- Axicabtagene Ciloleucel
- Azathioprine
- Baricitinib
- Belatacept
- Benorilate
- Brexucabtagene Autoleucel
- Brodalumab
- Certolizumab Pegol
- Choline Salicylate
- Cyclosporine
- Dupilumab
- Emapalumab-lzsg
- Etanercept
- Everolimus
- Fingolimod
- Golimumab
- Guselkumab
- Immune Globulin
- Inebilizumab-cdon
- Infliximab
- Ixekizumab
- Leflunomide
- Mesalamine
- Mycophenolic Acid
- Ocrelizumab
- Olsalazine
- Ozanimod
- Ponesimod
- Rilonacept
- Risankizumab-rzaa
- Salicylamide
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sarilumab
- Satralizumab-mwge
- Secukinumab
- Siponimod
- Sirolimus
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sodium Thiosalicylate
- Tacrolimus
- Teriflunomide
- Tildrakizumab-asmn
- Tocilizumab
- Tofacitinib
- Trabectedin
- Trolamine Salicylate
- Upadacitinib
- Ustekinumab
- Voclosporin
Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abatacept
- Cytomegalovirus Immune Globulin, Human
- Hepatitis B Immune Globulin
- Rabies Immune Globulin
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin, Human
- Tetanus Immune Globulin
- Vaccinia Immune Globulin, Human
- Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin
How much does Varivax (varicella vaccine) cost?
$195.92
Varivax (varicella vaccine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Varivax (varicella vaccine) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to neomycin or gelatin
- Weakened immune system
- Active illness with a fever greater than 101.3°F
- Active, untreated tuberculosis
- Currently pregnant
What are alternatives to Varivax (varicella vaccine)?
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