Varicella Vaccine Schedule,Side Effects,Contraindications,Herpes Zoster

ISSN 0973 - 0958

Home

Parent Corner

Vaccine and Immunization

Varicella Vaccine

Share |

Immunization or Vaccination

MMR - Importance of the Second Dose

Tetanus toxoid Vaccine

Varicella Vaccine

Growth Calculator

Height Calculator

Weight Calculator

BMI Calculator

Calori Calculator

Head circuferences Calculator

Mid parental height Calculator

Body surface area Calculator

BMR Calculator

Temperature Calculator

Anion gap Calculator

Translate this page

VARICELLA VACCINE

Q. What is the schedule?
A. It is to be given subcutaneous over left arm or thigh. It is given at 12-15 months of age. In children < 13 years, only one dose is required. In children > 13 years and adults, 2 doses are given at 6-8 weeks interval. Immuno-compromised patients need 2 doses irrespective of age.

Q. What are the side effects?
A. It is a very safe vaccine. Local side effects seen include pain, redness, swelling in <5% of vaccines. Systemic side effects like fever are rare. 3-7% of vaccines can develop varicella like rash, which are very mild with rapid recovery. It can occur within 6 weeks of vaccination.

Q. What are the contraindications to Varicella vaccine?
A. Firstly it is not indicated in those who have definite history of chickenpox in the past. It is contraindicated in-patients with neomycin hypersensitivity as the vaccine contains traces of neomycin. It is contraindicated in patients with immunodeficiency including symptomatic HIV and in children with acute leukemia on chemotherapy.

For patients with leukemia in remission, chemotherapy should be withheld for at least 2 weeks before and after the first dose of vaccine. Similarly patients on high dose of long-term steroids should be given the vaccine when steroids are temporarily withheld for at least 2 weeks before and after vaccine.

It is contraindicated during pregnancy and in fact pregnancy should be avoided for at least 6-8 weeks after vaccination.

Q. What is herpes zoster?
A. Varicella and herpes zoster are manifestations of the same virus i.e. varicella virus. When a person comes in contact with the virus for the first time, he develops chickenpox. Even when he recovers, the virus remains latent in the nerves for years. In 15-20% of them, the virus is able to spread albeit locally along the nerve root causing herpes zoster. This occurs due to natural fading of immunity and hence occurs after the age of 40-50 years.

Herpes zoster, though usually a benign disease lasting for 7-10 days can lead to complications. Firstly, it can lead to pain, which can go on for months to years. Secondly, if it involves the face, it could also involve the eyes and unless one takes proper precaution, this can lead to permanent damage to vision. Lastly, herpes zoster if it occurs in immuno-compromised patients like HIV, it can lead to complications like pneumonia and brain damage.

Q. Can herpes zoster be prevented?
A. Yes, by giving varicella vaccine before chickenpox develops. As seen, early herpes zoster occurs only after one contracts chickenpox virus and develops initially. When one takes chickenpox vaccine, one prevents contact with wild virus and hence prevents both chickenpox and herpes zoster.

Mail To Your Friend

Print This Article

VACCINE REMINDER

"Get the Vaccine Schedule for your child."

Vaccines (Immunization) Specialist Answer

Side Effect Of Varicella Vaccine If Given Intramuscularly

About DPT Vaccine Dose in child Suffering From Diarrhea

Antibody to Find Immunization records

Giving Vaccines MMR and varicella together

About Chart for Vaccination Program

more...

Want an expert opinion? Put your query to our medical experts and get advice

Pediatric oncall book store

Partner Sites

Pediatric Oncall Journal

Educational Section

Nutrition

Skin Problems

Swine Flu Center

Health Solutions from our sponsors

DHA

Baby Massage

Disclaimer:

The information given by www.pediatriconcall.com is provided by medical and paramedical & Health providers voluntarily for display & is meant only for informational purpose. The site does not guarantee the accuracy or authenticity of the information. Use of any information is solely at the user's own risk. The appearance of advertisement or product information in the various section in the website does not constitute an endorsement or approval by Pediatric Oncall of the quality or value of the said product or of claims made by its manufacturer.

Sitemap For Doctor

Sitemap For Parent

Sitemap For Kids