Products
Chickenpox vaccine is commercially available as an injectable in many countries (e.g., Varivax). It can also be combined fixed with the MMR vaccine (= MMRV vaccine).
Structure and properties
This is a live attenuated vaccine containing varicella-zoster virus of the OKA/Merck strain grown in human cells. This strain was developed in Japan in the 1970s.
Effects
Chickenpox vaccine (ATC J07BK) protects against chickenpox infection by eliciting a specific immune response. Vaccination protects the majority of those vaccinated from infection or severe disease progression and complications.
Indications
- For active immunization against chickenpox (varicella) according to the recommendations of the FOPH from the age of 12 months.
- For postexposure varicella prophylaxis.
Dosage
According to the professional information. Two administrations are necessary. The interval between the two doses must be at least one month. The vaccine is usually administered subcutaneously.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to components of the vaccine
- Hematological diseases, leukemia, lymphoma, other diseases of the blood and lymphatic system.
- Treatment with immunosuppressants
- Immunodeficiency
- Active, untreated tuberculosis
- Diseases with fever >38.5 °C
- Pregnancy
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local reactions such as pain and redness, a generalized rash, pruritus, fever, respiratory infections, and irritability. Severe adverse reactions have been observed very rarely.