Chickenpox(Varicella) vaccination-Varivax

Chickenpox is a very common illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The chickenpox vaccine offers effective protection for patients who have not had chickenpox before.

• Course: The course consists of two doses.
• Boosters: Once you have completed the two dose course(2 months apart), you won’t need further boosters.
• How it is given: An injection, usually given in the upper arm.
• Side effects: The vaccine can cause a range of mild side effects, such as fever, tiredness or digestion problems. In some cases it can cause a mild chickenpox like rash.
• Age restrictions: The chickenpox vaccine is suitable for patients from 12 months of age up to the age of 65. It is only recommended if you have not had chickenpox.
• Please note: This vaccine is not suitable for pregnant women or women who are trying for a baby. The chickenpox vaccination should be administered on the same day as the MMR jab, or allow at least a 4 week gap in-between these vaccinations.

Based on the GREENBOOK recommendations, here’s the key information for live attenuated vaccines:

1. Yellow Fever and MMR:

   • These two vaccines should not be administered on the same day.

   • If not given on the same day, a four-week minimum interval should be observed between these vaccines.

2. Varicella (and Zoster) Vaccine and MMR:

   • A four-week minimum interval should be observed between these two vaccines if they are not administered on the same day.

3. Tuberculin Skin Testing (Mantoux) and MMR:

   • MMR can be administered on the same day as a tuberculin skin or IGRA test.

   • If a tuberculin skin test has already been initiated, MMR should be delayed until the tuberculin skin test has been read, unless protection against measles is urgently needed.

   • If a child has recently had MMR and requires a tuberculin skin test, a four-week interval should be observed.

4. General Rule for Live Vaccines:

   • For all other live attenuated vaccines (like BCG, rotavirus, LAIV, oral typhoid, yellow fever, varicella, zoster, and MMR), they can be administered at any time before or after each other, except for the specific combinations listed above.