What it means
A vaccine made from a weakened (live attenuated) varicella-zoster virus. Children get two doses, at 12–15 months and at 4–6 years, and older children and adults without immunity get two doses four or more weeks apart. It also comes combined with measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMRV). Mild fever, soreness and sometimes a few chickenpox-like spots can follow.
For the nurse
Because it is a live vaccine, it is not given in pregnancy or to people with a severely weakened immune system; people who can become pregnant should avoid pregnancy for one month afterward. Avoid aspirin and other salicylates for six weeks after the shot because of the risk of Reye syndrome. It is given SUBQ.
At a glance
| Drug class | vaccine (live attenuated virus) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Varivax, ProQuad (with MMR) |
| Spanish | vacuna contra la varicela |
| Also written | chickenpox vaccine |
Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
subcutaneous
Under the skin; in the fatty layer between the skin and the muscle.
varicella
A very contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus; also called chickenpox.