Varicella Virus Vaccine is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of varicella in individuals 12 months of age and older.

Vaccines, Anti-sera & Immunoglobulin

Live varicella vaccine is used to stimulate active immunity to varicella (chickenpox).

varicella virus vaccine is administered as an approximately 0.5-mL dose by subcutaneous injection into the outer aspect of the upper arm (deltoid region) or the anterolateral thigh. Do not administer this product intravascularly or intramuscularly.

Children (12 months to 12 years of age): If a second dose is administered, there should be a minimum interval of 3 months between doses

Adolescents ( ≥ 13 years of age) and Adults: Two doses of vaccine, to be administered with a minimum interval of 4 weeks between doses

Avoid use of salicylates for 6 wk after vaccination to reduce risk of Reye’s syndrome. Decreased efficacy of vaccine with antiviral agents active against herpes virus (e.g. aciclovir, valaciclovir). Decreased immnuologic response to live vaccines if patients on immunosuppressive agents e.g. high dose corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, radiation therapy.

Hypersensitivity to neomycin, gelatin or other components of the vaccine. Malignant neoplasm of the bone marrow or lymphatic systems. Patients who are currently on immunosuppressants. Primary or acquired immunodeficiency states. Active untreated tuberculosis, active febrile infection (>38.5°C>. Pregnancy and avoid pregnancy for 1-3 mth following vaccination.

Local reactions including pain, soreness, swelling & erythema. Pruritus, haematoma, induration, stiffness, fever, rash, breakthrough varicella infections.

Pregnancy Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Vaccination should be deferred for at least 5-11 mth following blood or plasma transfusion, or admin of immune globulin. Delay admin of vaccine for at least 1 mth after stopping high dose immunosuppressive therapy. Avoid close contact with high risk individuals for up to 6 wk.

Pediatric Use: No clinical data are available on safety or efficacy of varicella virus vaccine in children less than 12 months of age.

Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of varicella virus vaccine did not include sufficient numbers of seronegative subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

Reconstitution Instructions: When reconstituting the vaccine, use only the sterile diluent supplied with varicella virus vaccine. The sterile diluent does not contain preservatives or other anti-viral substances which might inactivate the vaccine virus.

Use a sterile syringe free of preservatives, antiseptics, and detergents for each reconstitution and injection of varicella virus vaccine because these substances may inactivate the vaccine virus.

To reconstitute the vaccine, first withdraw the total volume of provided sterile diluent into a syringe. Inject all of the withdrawn diluent into the vial of lyophilized vaccine and gently agitate to mix thoroughly. Withdraw the entire contents into the syringe and inject the total volume (approximately 0.5 mL) of reconstituted vaccine subcutaneously. varicella virus vaccine, when reconstituted, is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not use the product if particulates are present or if it appears discolored.

To minimize loss of potency, administer varicella virus vaccine immediately after reconstitution. Discard if reconstituted vaccine is not used within 30 minutes.

Do not freeze reconstituted vaccine.

Do not combine varicella virus vaccine with any other vaccine through reconstitution or mixing.

Store between 2-8° C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.