VARILRIX VACCINE

It is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously), usually in the upper arm, by a doctor or nurse. Healthy children typically receive two doses — the first around 12–15 months and the second later in childhood — while adolescents and adults receive two doses 4–8 weeks apart. Your doctor will confirm the schedule.

It should not be given to pregnant women, people with significantly weakened immune systems (for example due to certain cancers, treatments, or immune deficiencies), those with a severe allergy to a vaccine component (such as neomycin or gelatin) or to a previous dose, or anyone with a moderate-to-severe acute illness with fever (postpone until recovered). Tell the doctor about any illness, allergy, or recent blood/immunoglobulin treatment.

No — the virus is weakened and cannot cause true chickenpox in healthy people. A small number of vaccinated people develop a few mild spots afterwards, which is a normal immune response and far milder than the actual disease.

Because it is a live vaccine, women should avoid becoming pregnant for at least one month after each dose, and pregnant women should not be vaccinated until after delivery. Discuss timing with your doctor if you are planning pregnancy.

Avoid giving aspirin or other salicylates to children for about 6 weeks after vaccination (due to a rare risk of Reye's syndrome). Certain antiviral medicines (aciclovir and similar) may need to be paused around vaccination — tell your doctor about all medicines the person is taking.