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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 caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is very common and highly contagious, occurring more often in the winter and spring. Most of the time, the infection is mild and not life-threatening. However, there are thousands of cases each year in which people become seriously ill, requiring hospitalization, and some children 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 dose should be given when the child is 12 - 15 months old.
  • Children should receive the second dose when they are 4 – 6 years old. However, the second dose can be given before age 4, as long as as 3 months have passed since the first dose.
  • People 13 and older who have not received the vaccine and have not had chickenpox should get 2 doses 4 to 8 weeks apart.
  • People 13 and older who have had a previous dose and have not had chickenpox should receive a second dose.

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:

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. (Woman planning pregnancy should be screened for immunity using history or laboratory testing.)
  • 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 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;356:1121-1129.

American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents--United States, 2008. Pediatrics. 2008;121:219-220.

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Recommended adult immunization schedule: United States, October 2007-September 2008. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147:725-729.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0 Through 18 Years --- United States 2009. MMWR, January 2, 2009: 57(51&52);Q1-Q4.

Coonrod DV, Jack BW, Boggess KA. The clinical content of preconception care: immunizations as part of preconception care. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Dec;199(6 Suppl 2):S290-5.

Review Date: 11/2/2009
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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