Varicella Virus Vaccine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 28, 2024.

Applies to varicella virus vaccine: powder for suspension.

Precautions

It is very important that you or your child return to your doctor’s office at the right time if you or your child needs a second dose of the vaccine. Be sure to notify your doctor of any side effects that may occur after you or your child receive this vaccine.

You should not receive this vaccine if you are using medicine that weakens the immune system (including cancer medicine or steroid medicine).

Do not become pregnant for 3 months after receiving varicella virus vaccine. There is a chance that this vaccine may cause problems during pregnancy. If you think you have become pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may want you to join a pregnancy registry for patients receiving this vaccine.

Tell your doctor that you or your child have received this vaccine:

• If you are to receive blood transfusions or other blood products within 5 months of receiving this vaccine.
• If you are to receive any other live virus vaccines within 1 to 3 months after receiving this vaccine.
• If you are to receive varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) or other immune globulins within 2 months after receiving this vaccine.

This vaccine may cause a serious allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you receive the vaccine.

Do not use aspirin or medicines containing aspirin (eg, certain cold medicines) for 6 weeks after receiving this vaccine. Carefully check the label of any pain, headache, or cold medicine you or your child use to be sure it does not contain aspirin or salicylic acid.

You or your child may be able to pass the virus to other people after getting this vaccine. You or your child should avoid close contact with people at high risk for getting chickenpox for 6 weeks after receiving this vaccine. People who are most at risk of catching the virus from you are pregnant women, newborn babies, and people whose bodies cannot fight infection (eg, people with bone marrow disease, AIDS). Talk to your doctor about this risk.

You will need to have a skin test for tuberculosis before the vaccine is given, or on the same day the vaccine is given, or at least 4 weeks after you receive this vaccine. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home has ever had a positive reaction to a tuberculosis skin test.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, varicella virus vaccine 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 while taking varicella virus vaccine:

Other side effects

Some side effects of varicella virus vaccine 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to varicella virus vaccine: injectable powder for injection, subcutaneous powder for injection.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were injection site reactions and fever.^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fever (27%), otitis media (12%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Otitis, viral infection, asthenia, hematoma, malaise
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Ear pain, infection, candidiasis, non-venomous bite/sting, heaviness
• Frequency not reported: Insect bites^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site complaints (pain/soreness, swelling and/or erythema, rash, pruritus, hematoma, induration, stiffness) (32.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Varicella-like rash (injection site)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Injection site ecchymosis, induration
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Extravasation, injection site eczema, lump, warmth, stiffness, pain/tenderness/soreness, warm sensation, warm to touch, venipuncture site hemorrhage^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory infection (26.9%), cough (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Rhinorrhea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nasal congestion, respiratory congestion, influenza, pharyngitis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Pneumonitis, sinusitis, sneezing, pulmonary congestion, epistaxis, rhinitis, wheezing, bronchitis, respiratory infection, pneumonia, flu-like illness
• Frequency not reported: Upper respiratory illness, lower respiratory illness^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Varicella-like rash (generalized), rash, measles/rubella-like rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Varicella, viral exanthema, contact dermatitis, diaper rash, erythema, miliaria rubra, pruritus, urticaria
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Flushing, vesicle, atopic dermatitis, eczema, acne, herpes simplex, contusion, dermatitis, drug eruption, impetigo, skin infection, measles, sunburn, lump, warmth, discoloration, inflammation, roughness/dryness, hive-like rash, hyperpigmentation
• Postmarketing reports: Varicella (vaccine strain), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, secondary bacterial infections of skin and soft tissue including cellulitis, herpes zoster^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Irritability
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Crying, insomnia, sleep disorder
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Apathy, nervousness, agitation, dream abnormality, emotional changes
• Frequency not reported: Disturbed sleep^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gastroenteritis, diarrhea, vomiting
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence, hematochezia, mouth ulcer, lip abnormality
• Frequency not reported: Constipation, cold/canker sore^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache, somnolence, fatigue
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Febrile seizures, hypersomnia, gait abnormality, tremor
• Postmarketing reports: Encephalitis, cerebrovascular accident, transverse myelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Bell's palsy, ataxia, non-febrile seizures, aseptic meningitis, dizziness, paresthesia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Lymphadenopathy, lymphadenitis, thrombocytopenia
• Postmarketing reports: Aplastic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Allergic reactions (including allergic rash, hives)
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis (including anaphylactic shock) and related phenomena such as angioneurotic edema, facial edema, and peripheral edema; anaphylaxis in individuals with or without an allergic history^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Conjunctivitis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Acute conjunctivitis, tearing, edema of the eyelid, irritation
• Frequency not reported: Eye complaints
• Postmarketing reports: Necrotizing retinitis (in immunocompromised individuals)^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, stiffness, pain of the hip, leg, or neck
• Frequency not reported: Chills, stiff neck, arthralgia^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

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

Further information

Varicella virus vaccine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer