Varicella-Zoster Vaccine (Varicella, Live Attenuated)

Registered South African indications:

• Immunisation against varicella

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients
• Hypersensitivity to neomycin 
• Hypersensitivity to other varicella vaccines 
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Primary or acquired immunodeficiency states with a total lymphocyte count less than 1200/mm³ or presenting with other evidence of lack of cellular immune competence
• Severe humoral or cellular immunodeficiency
• Acute severe febrile illness

Cautions

• Adolescents
• Incubation period of infection
• Existing severe skin damage
• Immunosuppression 
• Varicella-susceptible pregnant women
• People at high risk of severe varicella
• Fructose intolerance

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: inj

Immunisation against varicella
- Healthy patients
- High risk patients and healthy close contacts
- Patients with acute leukaemia
- Patients on immunosuppressive treatment
- Patients with planned organ transplant
- Patients with chronic diseases

• SC: Initial: 0.5ml; Then: 0.5ml, 6 weeks later

Administer the second dose at least 6 weeks after the first dose but in no circumstances less than 4 weeks

Paed. forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: inj

Immunisation against varicella
- Healthy patients 

Younger than 9 months 

• Not established for use

Between 9-12 months 

• SC: Initial: 0.5ml; Then: 0.5ml, after a minimal interval of 3 months

Older than 12 months

• See adult dosage

Administer the second dose at least 6 weeks after the first dose but in no circumstances less than 4 weeks

Pregnancy

• FDA Pregnancy Category X

Breastfeeding

• Contraindicated

Renal Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Hepatic Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Central Nervous System Disorders

• Headache
• Somnolence
• Irritability
• Fatigue

Respiratory Disorders

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Pharyngitis
• Cough
• Rhinitis

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea

Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Arthralgia
• Myalgia

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

• Rash
• Varicella-like rash
• Pruritus
• Urticaria
• Redness
• Swelling at injection site

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

• Lymphadenopathy
• Fever

Sensory Disorders

• Conjunctivitis

• Immune globulins
• Tuberculin skin test
• Blood transfusion
• Aspirin 
• Systemic salicylates 

None routine

Varicella-Zoster vaccine produces an attenuated clinically inapparent varicella infection in susceptible subjects. The presence of antibodies is accepted to be an indication of protection.

Injection (per 0.5ml) 2000pfu

• Varilrix (GSK) originator