Varicella-zoster vaccine helps protect adults and children against chickenpox.
Varicella-zoster vaccine is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle) or subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin), usually into the upper arm or thigh.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The total number of injections you will receive will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your vaccination.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Varicella-zoster vaccine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- active untreated TB (a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- fever with a temperature higher than 38.5°C
- blood disorder or any cancer that affects the bone marrow or immune system
- severely weak immune system due to a disease or medicine use
as Varicella-zoster vaccine may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine if you have a family history of inborn or inherited immune system problems unless your immune competence has been checked and your doctor has approved the use of this medicine.
Do not use Varicella-zoster vaccine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. Avoid pregnancy for 1-3 months after receiving Varicella-zoster vaccine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Inform your doctor if you have moderate or severe illness (with or without fever).
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
If you are going to have a certain diagnostic test (e.g. test for TB detection), inform your doctor that you have recently been vaccinated with Varicella-zoster.
Notify your doctor if you recently had a blood transfusion or if you received other blood products.
In rare cases, you may spread the chickenpox virus to others after receiving Varicella-zoster vaccine. Whenever possible, avoid close contact with people who may be at high risk of developing chickenpox, such as pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, newborn babies whose mothers have never had chickenpox, and individuals with a weak immune system.
Varicella-zoster vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, drowsiness, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, cough, stuffy or runny nose, irritability, sleep problems, loss of appetite, tiredness, and muscle or joint pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- rash that looks like chickenpox on the body or at the injection site
- temporary loss of consciousness; fainting or passing out
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid taking aspirin or aspirin-containing products (blood-thinning medicines) 6 weeks after vaccination.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have received immunoglobulins (a solution of naturally produced antibodies that make the immune system stronger).
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Do not freeze Varicella-zoster vaccine otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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