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Chickenpox Vaccine

Varilrix® and Varivax III®

What is chickenpox?

• Chickenpox is a contagious illness caused by a virus.
• It is spread by direct contact and airborne droplets.
• Symptoms include a skin rash of small sores which crust over.
• Chickenpox can lead to pneumonia, secondary bacterial

infections, bleeding complications and inflammation of the brain.

• About one out of every 100,000 children with chickenpox will die,

as will one out of every 5,000 adults.

• People who have had chickenpox may experience shingles

later in life.

 

What does chickenpox vaccine contain?

• Chickenpox vaccine contains the varicella-zoster virus. 

Varilrix® contains:

• Amino acids, human albumin, lactose, neomycin sulfate and polyalcohols.
• Contains latex.

Varivax III® contains:

• Sucrose, gelatin, urea, sodium chloride, monosodium L-glutamate, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, potassium chloride, neomycin, bovine serum.
• Grown on MRC-5 cells.
• Does not contain latex.

How effective is the vaccine?

• 88% of fully immunized people are completely protected; 100% are protected from severe chickenpox for at least 7 years.

How long does the protection last?

• Unknown; at least 7years.
• The need for boosters is not currently recommended.

Who should receive chickenpox vaccine?

• Children over one year of age or adults.
• In Saskatchewan, vaccine is free for all infants born

January 1, 2004 or later, and all grade 6 students.

Who should not receive chickenpox vaccine?

• Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its components.
• Anyone with blood dyscrasias, leukemia, lymphoma, or malignant neoplasms affecting bone marrow or lymphatic system.
• Anyone with immunosuppression or immunodeficiency or a family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency, unless recommended by the Medical Health Officer.
• Anyone with active untreated tuberculosis.
• Pregnant women (avoid pregnancy for three months following immunization).
• Anyone with moderate to severe illness may have to delay immunization.
• Anyone with fever >38.5 degrees C.
• Use with caution in breastfeeding women.
  

How is the vaccine given?

• By injection into the fatty layer beneath the skin.  The outer aspect of the upper arm is the preferred site for injection.

When should the vaccine be given?

• As a single dose, for children 12 months to 12 years of age.
• As a series of two doses, 6 to 8 weeks apart, if first given to adults and adolescents 13 years of age or older.
• Delay immunization with varicella vaccine 3 to 11 months following the administration of immune globulin preparations or blood products.
• May be safely given with other vaccines. Other live vaccines must be administered on the same day or separated by 30 days from Varicella vaccine.

What might be felt after receiving the vaccine?

Very Common(Greater than 10%):

• Soreness, redness or swelling at injection site
• Fever

Common (Between 1% - 10%):

• Chickenpox-like rash at injection site or on body 5 to 26 days after immunization.  If you develop this rash, limit your contact with these susceptible high-risk people for 6 weeks:

- pregnant women who are not immune to chickenpox
- immunocompromised persons
- newborn infants whose mothers are not immune to

  chickenpox

Uncommon (Between 0.1% and less than 1%):

• Headache, cough, irritability, nausea, muscle and joint pain.

Rare (Between 0. 01% and less than 0.1%):

• Diarrhea, abdominal pain.

Very Rare (Less than 0.01%)

• Severe allergic reactions; blood, skin, nervous system and respiratory disorders.

Avoid giving ASA, to people of any age, for 6 weeks following this immunization.

Call the number below if you have severe or unusual reactions.

For more information contact Public Health Services at:

North Health Centre: (306) 655-4700

Our Neighbourhood Health Centre:  (306) 655-4950

South East Health Centre: (306) 655-4730

West Winds Primary Health Centre: (306) 655-4275

International Travel Centre:  (306) 655-4780

Your immunization information will be recorded in a computerized system known as the Saskatchewan Immunization Management Systems (SIMS). 

Information collected in SIMS may be used to:

• manage immunization records,
• notify you if you or your child needs an immunization,
• and monitor how well vaccines work in preventing vaccine preventable diseases.

Your immunization records may also be shared with health care professionals in order to provide public health services; assist with diagnosis and treatment; and to control the spread of vaccine preventable diseases.

© 2008, Saskatoon Health Region.  Reproduced only by permission.

(last updated January 4, 2010)