Varivax
(Varicella Vaccine)
Prevents varicella, also known as chickenpox.
Our bottom line
Varivax (Varicella Vaccine) is a safe and effective vaccine for the chickenpox.
- 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.
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.
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.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Dosage forms
- Injection
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$227.58
- CostcoGet free coupon$227.58
Side effect rates for Varivax (Varicella Vaccine)
- Injection-site complaints24%24%
- Fever ≥102.0°F (38.9°C) Oral15%15%
- Fever ≥100.0°F (37.8°C) Oral10%10%
- Varicella-like rash (generalized)6%6%
- Varicella-like rash (injection site)3%3%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Varicella Vaccine.
People taking Varicella Vaccine felt side effect more
People taking Varicella Vaccine felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Varivax (Varicella Vaccine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.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)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?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.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.