Varilrix

This is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of varicella in individuals 12 months of age and older.

Varicella Virus Vaccine induces both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses to varicella-zoster virus. The relative contributions of humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity to protection from varicella are unknown.

Reye syndrome has been reported in children and adolescents following the use of salicylates during wild-type varicella infection. Administration of immune globulins and other blood products concurrently with Varicella Virus Vaccine vaccine may interfere with the expected immune response. Varicella Virus Vaccine vaccination may result in a temporary depression of purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin skin sensitivity.

Frequently reported (≥10%) adverse reactions in children ages 1 to 12 years include:

• fever ≥102.0°F (38.9°C) oral: 14.7%
• injection-site complaints: 19.3%

Frequently reported (≥10%) adverse reactions in adolescents and adults ages 13 years and older include:

• fever ≥100.0°F (37.8°C) oral: 10.2%
• injection-site complaints: 24.4%

Other reported adverse reactions in all age groups include:

• varicella-like rash (injection site)
• varicella-like rash (generalized)

Varicella Virus Vaccine is contraindicated for use in pregnant women because the vaccine contains live, attenuated varicella virus, and it is known that wild-type varicella virus, if acquired during pregnancy, can cause congenital varicella syndrome. No increased risk for miscarriage, major birth defect or congenital varicella syndrome was observed in a pregnancy exposure registry that monitored outcomes after inadvertent use. There are no relevant animal data.

It is not known whether varicella vaccine virus is excreted in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Varicella Virus Vaccine, and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Varicella Virus Vaccine or from the underlying maternal condition. For preventive vaccines, the underlying maternal condition is susceptibility to disease prevented by the vaccine.

Evaluate individuals for immune competence prior to administration of Varicella Virus Vaccine if there is a family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency. Avoid close contact with high-risk individuals susceptible to varicella because of possible transmission of varicella vaccine virus. Immune Globulins (IG) and other blood products should not be given concomitantly with Varicella Virus Vaccine. Avoid use of salicylates for 6 weeks following administration of Varicella Virus Vaccine to children and adolescents.

Pediatric Use: No clinical data are available on safety or efficacy of varicella virus vaccine in children less than 12 months of age.

Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of varicella virus vaccine did not include sufficient numbers of seronegative subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

Vaccines, Anti-sera & Immunoglobulin

Store between 2-8° C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.