Skip to main content

Varicella virus (chickenpox) vaccine

Generic name: varicella virus (chickenpox) vaccine [ var-i-SEL-a-VYE-rus-vak-SEEN ]
Brand name: Varivax
Dosage form: injectable powder for injection (-)
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 1, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is varicella virus vaccine?

Varicella (commonly known as chickenpox) is a common childhood disease that causes fever, skin rash, and a breakout of fluid-filled blisters on the skin.

Varicella virus vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in adults and children who are at least 12 months old.

This vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of the virus or a protein from the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Like any vaccine, varicella virus vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

This vaccine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot. Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. When you receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Varicella virus (chickenpox) vaccine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Warnings

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot. You should also not receive this vaccine if you have any illness with fever, active tuberculosis that is not being treated, or a weak immune system.

You should not receive this vaccine if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy for 3 months after receiving a varicella vaccine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive this vaccine if you are allergic to gelatin or neomycin, or if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing varicella.

You should also not receive this vaccine if you have:

May cause birth defects. Do not receive varicella vaccine if you are pregnant. You must use effective birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if:

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using varicella virus (chickenpox) vaccine.

How is this vaccine given?

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) under the skin or into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office, clinic setting, or pharmacy.

Any person who has never had chickenpox or received this vaccine should get 1 or 2 doses of varicella vaccine.

Children from 1 to 12 years old should receive 2 doses. The booster dose may be given at least 3 months after the first, but may be delayed until the child is 4 to 6 years old.

People who are at least 13 years old and have never had chickenpox or received a varicella vaccine should receive 2 doses 4 to 8 weeks apart.

Your individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

This vaccine can cause false results on a skin test for tuberculosis for up to 6 weeks. Tell any doctor who treats you if you have received a varicella virus vaccine within the past 4 to 6 weeks.

Varicella virus (chickenpox) vaccine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Varicella-Zoster -- Prophylaxis:

0.5 mL (1 dose), subcutaneously into the deltoid or anterolateral thigh

Comments:
-Administer 2 doses, a minimum of 4 weeks apart

Use: Active immunization for the prevention of varicella in individuals 12 months of age and older

Usual Pediatric Dose for Varicella-Zoster -- Prophylaxis:

0.5 mL (1 dose), subcutaneously into the deltoid or anterolateral thigh

Comments:
-Children under 13 years old: if giving a second dose, separate doses by a minimum of 3 months.
-Children 13 years and older: administer 2 doses, a minimum of 4 weeks apart.

Use: Active immunization for the prevention of varicella in individuals 12 months of age and older

What happens if I miss a dose?

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine or you may not be fully protected against disease.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid before or after receiving this vaccine?

For at least 6 weeks after receiving a varicella vaccine, avoid coming into contact with newborn infants, pregnant women who have never had chickenpox, and anyone who has a weak immune system. There is a chance that you could pass the virus to a person with a weak immune system or no immunity to chickenpox.

What other drugs will affect varicella virus vaccine?

For anyone under 18 years old: Do not take a salicylate medicine (such as aspirin, Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol, and others) for at least 6 weeks after receiving a varicella virus vaccine. Salicylates can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children or teenagers with chickenpox, and the varicella virus in this vaccine exposes you to a small amount of this virus.

Other drugs may affect this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Varivax, varicella virus vaccine, ProQuad

Popular FAQ

Why did I get chickenpox even though I've been vaccinated?

Previous vaccination with the varicella vaccine does not always guarantee that a person will not develop chickenpox symptoms. However, if they do, these symptoms are usually much milder than in an unvaccinated person. About 15% – 20% of people who have received one dose of varicella vaccine will still get chickenpox if they are exposed to the virus. Children who have received two doses of the vaccine have a less than 7% chance of getting chickenpox. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.