Varicella (VAR)

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  • WHAT IT PROTECTS AGAINST

    Varicella-zoster or chickenpox (itchy rash, Pneumonia, brain inflammation)

  • WHO IT’S FOR

    Young children

  • WHEN IT’S ROUTINELY GIVEN

    • 12-15 months

    • 4-6 years

  • BENEFITS

    • Protects against complications from Vericella-zoster / Chickenpox:
      • Full-body itchy rash (fluid-filled blisters)
      • Fever
      • Headache
      • Loss of appetite
      • Tiredness
    • Helps stop the virus from spreading to others

  • POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

    • Soreness around injection site
    • Mild fever
    • Mild rash
    • Serious allergic reactions are rare

    Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and temporary. It’s always good to keep in mind that vaccine side effects are minor compared to the more severe health issues that can be caused if you get sick with the disease.

  • VACCINE PRODUCTS (available in the United States)

    • Varivax – 2 dose series

    Combination vaccine (protect against more than one disease):

    • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella vaccine (MMRV) – ProQuad – 2 dose series

  • COMMON QUESTIONS

    Is chickenpox similar to shingles?

    Yes, they are caused by the same virus: chickenpox is the initial infection, and shingles can develop later in life when the virus reactivates in the body. If you are never infected by the varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox), you won’t have the virus to turn into shingles.