Varivax (varicella virus vaccine live) is a live vaccine used to help prevent varicella virus
infection (commonly known as chickenpox). Chickenpox is a
common childhood illness, but can cause more serious illnesses in people who
have not yet had either chickenpox or this vaccine.
Varicella 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.
Uses: -
This vaccine is used to help prevent varicella virus infection (commonly known
as chickenpox). Chickenpox is a common childhood illness, but can cause more
serious illnesses in people who have not yet had either chickenpox or this vaccine.
Serious (rarely fatal) problems (such as pneumonia and inflammation of
the liver or brain) may rarely occur from this infection, and first-time infections in
adults may be very severe. It may also cause a very serious brain/liver condition
called Reyes syndrome in children or teenagers. If you are infected while pregnant,
, your unborn infant may be harmed. Vaccination during childhood may help prevent
this infection and the problems that can occur.The virus in this vaccine is alive, but
it has been weakened (attenuated) and so it has a decreased ability to cause illness.
It works by helping the body produce immunity (protection) that will prevent you
from getting chickenpox, or will lessen the seriousness of the infection. As with any
vaccine, it may not fully protect everyone who receives it. People who get
chickenpox after getting the vaccine usually have mild cases with fewer blisters,
fewer fevers, and faster recoveries.The vaccine is recommended for children 12
months and older and adults who have not had chickenpox or received a varicella
vaccination before.
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:
an infection or any illness with fever;
active tuberculosis that is not being treated;
a weak immune system caused by disease (such as cancer, HIV, or AIDS), or by
receiving certain medicines such as steroids, chemotherapy or radiation; or
If you are pregnant.
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.
To make sure varicella vaccine is safe for you, tell your doctor if:
you have a weak immune system;
someone in your household has a weak immune system; or
you have recently had a blood transfusion or have received an immune globulin
or other blood products.
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