Varivax

(Varicella Vaccine)

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Prevents varicella, also known as chickenpox.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

Our bottom line

Varivax (Varicella Vaccine) is a safe and effective vaccine for the chickenpox.

Quick facts about Varicella Vaccine
  • Drug class: Infection
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Upsides

  • Varivax is very safe. It prevents the chickenpox infection in 70 to 90 percent of vaccinated kids.
  • Getting vaccinated with Varivax decreases the number of days children miss school and parents miss work.
  • There is no thimerosal or other preservatives in Varivax.
  • Most people who get Varivax have no side effects.
  • Children who develop chickenpox after being vaccinated are less contagious than unvaccinated children.
Tried Varicella Vaccine? Write a review!

Downsides

  • After being vaccinated with Varivax (Varicella Vaccine), children still have a 20% chance of getting a mild case of chickenpox (varicella).
  • You may get a rash or feel sore at the site of the injection.
  • Some people have felt tired or fussy after getting Varivax (Varicella Vaccine).
  • Some adults get a mild fever two weeks after receiving Varivax (Varicella Vaccine).
  • Since it's a live vaccine, it can't be used in pregnant or people with a weak immune system. Check with your doctor or pharmacist what'll be best for you.
How it works

Varivax (Varicella Vaccine) is a live (but weaken) vaccine that protects against varicella, also known as chickenpox. Allows your body to build memory to protect against the virus, but doesn't cause an actual infection in people with a normal immune system.

Quick facts about Varicella Vaccine
  • Drug class: Infection
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Injection
Tried Varicella Vaccine? Write a review!

Prices and coupons

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Side effect rates for Varivax (Varicella Vaccine)

  • Injection-site complaints
    24%24%
  • Fever ≥102.0°F (38.9°C) Oral
    15%15%
  • Fever ≥100.0°F (37.8°C) Oral
    10%10%
  • Varicella-like rash (generalized)
    6%6%
  • Varicella-like rash (injection site)
    3%3%
0%
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Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Varicella Vaccine.

Varivax (Varicella Vaccine)
Placebo

People taking Varicella Vaccine felt side effect more

People taking Varicella Vaccine felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Varivax (Varicella Vaccine)

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  • An epinephrine injection should be available for use immediately after receiving Varivax (Varicella Vaccine) because some patients may have an allergic reaction.

Common concerns from people taking Varivax (Varicella Vaccine)

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Pregnancy

Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.

See the FDA package insertSee pregnancy safe medications
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.
FDA pregnancy category for Varicella Vaccine
CWeigh risks vs. benefits