Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine

Indications

Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine is used for: Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection

Adult Dose

Subcuteneous Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection 0.65 mL (entire content of vial ) injected SC into upper arm as single dose

Child Dose

Not indicated

Renal Dose

Administration

Contra Indications

A history of hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine; individuals with blood dyscrasias, leukonia, lymphomas of any type, or other malignant neoplasma affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic systems; individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

Precautions

Vaccination should be deferred to at least 5 months following blood or plasma transfusion, or administration of immunoglobulin or varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG). Vaccination should be deferred in patients with a family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency until the patient's own immune system has been evaluated. Cases Requiring Careful Consideration Before Vaccination: The decision for vaccination is to be made carefully in the following categories, those having a history of seizures; those previously diagnosed with an immunodeficiency; those suffering from diseases accompanied by abnormal immune system function or those receiving immunosuppressive therapy; and those suspected of being allergic to any of the components. Lactation: Unknown whether agent is excreted in breast milk; use with caution

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy Contraindicated for use in pregnant women because the vaccine contains live, attenuated varicella-zoster virus, and it is known that wild-type varicella-zoster virus, if acquired during pregnancy, can cause congenital varicella syndrome (see Contraindications) Lactation Unknown whether varicella-zoster vaccine virus is excreted in human milk For preventive vaccines, the underlying maternal condition is susceptibility to disease prevented by the vaccine

Interactions

Concurrent use may interfere with the immune response to certain live vaccines.

Side Effects

Side effects of Varicella Zoster Virus (live attenuated) Vaccine : >10% Injection-site erythema, Pain or tenderness, Pruritus, Swelling, Warmth 1-10% Diarrhea (2%), Fever (2%), Flulike syndrome (2%), Upper respiratory tract infection (2%), Headache (1%), Rhinitis (1%), Skin disorder (1%), Weakness (1%) <1% Arthralgia, Hypersensitivity, Injection-site reactions

Mode of Action

Conveys active immunity by stimulating production of endogenously produced antibodies