This vaccine gives protection against chickenpox infection. For those who are vaccinated but still get chickenpox, the symptoms will generally be milder. The vaccine contains a live strain of the varicella-zoster (chickenpox) virus which has been weakened (attenuated). This stimulates the immune system but does not cause disease in healthy people. However, the chickenpox vaccine should not be given to people who are clinically immunosuppressed (see below). Two brands of chickenpox vaccine are used in the UK: Varilrix (see the Patient Information Leaflet) and Varivax (see the Patient Information Leaflet). Who should have the vaccine?In the UK the chickenpox vaccine is not currently part of the routine childhood schedule. It is recommended for those in close contact with people who are particularly at risk of complications from chickenpox. This includes:
The vaccine is also available for laboratory workers who are not immune to chickenpox and who may come into contact with the virus as part of their job. In the UK the vaccine is given to adults and children over the age of one year. Two doses are given, at least 4 weeks apart. The exact spacing between doses depends on the brand of vaccine given and the age of the person receiving the vaccine. Who should not have the vaccine?The chickenpox vaccine should not be given to people who are clinically immunosuppressed (either due to drug treatment or underlying illness). This is because the vaccine strain could replicate too much and cause a serious infection. This includes babies whose mothers have had immunosuppressive treatment while they were pregnant or breastfeeding. For more information see the MHRA's Drug Safety Update (April 2016). The chickenpox vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women as a matter of caution. However, studies have not shown any link between the weakened virus in the vaccine and any specific problems in babies born to women who received a chickenpox vaccine while they were pregnant. See 'Is the vaccine safe?' below. What protection does the vaccine give?Two doses of the vaccine give about 98% protection in children and about 75% protection in teenagers and adults. |