Varivax (VAR)

Question 0

INDICATION

Answer 0

(1) All children 1 year and older
(2) All adults w/out evidence of immunity

Evidence of immunity:

(a) written documentation of 2 doses of varicella vaccine
(b) history of varicella disease or herpes zoster (shingles) based on HCP diagnosis
(c) laboratory evidence of immunity
(d) birth in the US before 1980

Question 1

TYPE / ROUTE

Answer 1

Live, SC

Question 2

DOSE

Answer 2

0.5 mL

Question 3

OF DOSES

Answer 3

2

Question 4

FREQUENCY

Answer 4

(A) Children:  
Dose 1 = 12-15 months 
Dose 2 = 4 - 6 years
(B) Adolescents (13+) & Adults:
Dose 2 must be given 4-8 weeks after Dose 1

Question 5

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Answer 5

(1) severe allergic rxn after a previous dose or to a vaccine component including gelatin or neomycin
(2) known severe immunodeficiency (tumors, chemotherapy, HIV)
(3) pregnancy

Question 6

PRECAUTIONS

Answer 6

(1) Moderate or severe acute illness w/ or w/out fever
(2) recent (w/in 11 months) receipt of antibody-containing blood product (specific interval depends on product)
(3) receipt of specific antivirals (acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir) 24 hours before vaccination, if possible; avoid use of these antivirals for 14 days after vaccination

Question 7

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Answer 7

fever, injection site redness/ swelling/ pain, & varicella like rashes