Health Encyclopedia

Chickenpox - vaccine

Definition

This vaccine protects against chickenpox, a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

Alternative Names

Varicella zoster virus vaccine; Varivax; Vaccine - chickenpox

Information

Chickenpox is a caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is very common and highly contagious, occurring more often in the winter and spring. Generally, the infection is mild and not life-threatening, but there are thousands of cases each year in which people become seriously ill, requiring hospitalization, and some people do die from it.

The chickenpox vaccine works very well in preventing the disease. A small number of people who get the vaccine will still get chickenpox. However, they usually have a milder case than those seen in persons who did not receive the vaccine.

WHO SHOULD RECEIVE THIS VACCINE

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that children receive two doses of the traditional chickenpox vaccine. The first should be given when the child is 12 - 15 months old. Children should receive the second dose when they are 4 – 6 years old.

People 13 and older who have not received the vaccine and have not had chickenpox should get 2 doses 4 to 8 weeks apart.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

The side effects from the chickenpox vaccine are generally minor. Some of the mild possible side effects include:

Fever
Pain and swelling in the shot location
A mild rash

Only in very rare instances have more moderate or severe reactions been reported, including:

Seizures (less than 1 out of 1,000 children)
Pneumonia (very rare)
Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction; very rare)

Other reactions, such as low blood counts and brain involvement, are so rare that their link to the vaccine is questionable.

DELAY OR DO NOT GIVE THE VACCINE

Pregnant women should not receive the vaccine. Women who have received the vaccine should wait at least 1 month before getting pregnant.
Children or adults who have a weakened immune system as a result of HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplants, or other factors should not be vaccinated for chickenpox.
Children or adults who are allergic to the antibiotic neomycin or gelatin should not receive this vaccine.
Children or adults taking steroids for any condition should consult with their doctor about the proper timing of chickenpox vaccine.
Anyone who has recently received a blood transfusion or other blood product (including gamma globulin) should consult with their doctor about the proper timing of the chickenpox vaccine.
Children receiving aspirin or other salicylates should not receive this vaccine because of the theoretical risk of Reye's syndrome.

CALL YOUR PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:

You are not sure if the chickenpox vaccine should be given
Any moderate to severe side effects appear after the injection
Any symptoms occur after the vaccine that alarm you
You have any other questions before or after receiving the vaccine

References

Chaves SS, Gargiullo P, Zhang JX, et al. Loss of vaccine-induced immunity to varicella over time. N Engl J Med. 2007 Mar 15;356(11):1121-9.

American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents--United States, 2008. Pediatrics. 2008 Jan;121(1):219-20.

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Recommended adult immunization schedule: United States, October 2007-September 2008. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Nov 20;147(10):725-9.

Review Date:6/19/2008
Reviewed By:David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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