Varilrix

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Varilrix (Varicella-vaccine-live).

NOTE: Vaccination with varicella virus may not result in protection of all healthy, susceptible children, adolescents, and adults.

Duration of protection: It is not known how long the vaccine's protective effects against chickenpox infection will last.

Fever: A doctor may decide to delay this vaccine if the person receiving the vaccine has an acute infection or fever. Mild infections without fever, such as colds, usually do not require delay of the vaccine.

Immune problems: The safety and effectiveness of this vaccine have not been determined for people with immune system problems. It is possible that varicella vaccine may not create enough of an antibody response to protect against infections caused by this virus. Also, this vaccine may not be effective for people receiving immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., some medications used to treat cancer or for transplant recipients).

Medical conditions: Varicella vaccine should not be given for at least 5 months following a blood or plasma transfusion.

Salicylate therapy: People taking the vaccine should not use salicylates (e.g., Asa) for 6 weeks after vaccination, as Reye's Syndrome may occur. Children and adolescents should avoid using salicylates unless directed by a doctor.

Transmission: Rarely, healthy people taking the vaccine who develop a varicella-like rash may transmit vaccine virus to healthy susceptible people.

People taking the vaccine should try to avoid, whenever possible, close contact with susceptible high-risk people (e.g., people who are immunocompromised, pregnant women without a history of chickenpox, newborns of mothers without a history of chickenpox) for up to 6 weeks after receiving the vaccine.

Pregnancy: The safety of varicella vaccine when given during pregnancy has not been determined. Varicella vaccine is not to be used during pregnancy, and pregnancy should be avoided for 3 months after vaccination.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if varicella vaccine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this vaccine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Varilrix (Varicella-vaccine-live) have not been established for children less than 12 months old. It is not recommended for infants under 12 months old.