Introduction

Class Name(s):

• 80:12 Vaccines

Brand Name(s):

• Varivax^®

Why get vaccinated?

Varicella vaccine may prevent chickenpox that may occur from an infection with varicella-zoster virus.

Infection with varicella-zoster virus can cause the following: headache, fever, tiredness, achiness, and an itchy, blistering rash. The rash may cause the skin to be infected. Serious effects that may be life-threatening include pneumonia, brain inflammation, and Reye syndrome (a condition that affects the liver and the brain.)

Varicella vaccine contains live virus that has been weakened so it does not cause disease but can still stimulate the body to make antibodies against the virus to provide a defense against potential infection.

How is the vaccine given?

Varicella vaccine comes as a suspension (liquid) to be given into a muscle or subcutaneously (under the skin) by a healthcare provider.

Varicella vaccine is given as two doses.

• For children 12 months to 12 years of age: the first dose is given at 12 to 15 months of age (or anytime through 12 years of age). The second dose is given at 4 to 6 years of age, with at least 3 months between doses.
• For individuals 13 years of age and older: git is given as two doses at least 4 weeks apart.

What should you tell the person who is giving the vaccine?

Tell your vaccine provider if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, any part of this vaccine, any other vaccine or any drug, food or substance. Tell your vaccine provider about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• have a fever, tuberculosis (TB), or a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or medications. Also tell your provider if you have a family history of decreased immunity, have HIV, or if you have close contact with immunocompromised people, premature infants (born at less than 28 weeks of pregnancy) or pregnant women or newborn infants who never had chickenpox.
• are pregnant. Varicella vaccine injection is not recommended for 3 months before or during pregnancy. Talk to your vaccine provider about the right time to receive this vaccine following pregnancy.
• are breastfeeding.
• have received blood or plasma transfusions or human serum globulin.
• are taking aspirin or salicylate containing products. If you are 12 months through 17 years of age, do not take these medications after receiving varicella vaccination.

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone vaccination to a future visit.

What are the risks from vaccination?

Side effects that have been reported with varicella vaccine include:

• pain, swelling, redness, or itching at the site of injection
• irritability
• fever
• rash on the body or near the site of injection

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• rash, hives, shortness of breath or wheezing

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit http://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

How can I learn more?

• Read the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) that your vaccine provider will give you or you can obtain it at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/index.html
• Ask your healthcare provider.
• Call your local or state health department.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: June 15, 2026.