Varicella Vaccine Side Effects

Chickenpox was considered to be a disease affecting children or affect adults who did not catch the infection as a child. This infection is caused by varicella zoster virus that leads to a vesicular skin rash on the body. These rashes lead to fluid filled vesicles that are very itchy and form pockmarks. There was not much one could do to prevent chickenpox in children. However, Japan and Korea introduced varicella vaccine in 1988. After a lot of research and development, the vaccine got a license in US in the year 1995. Since, the introduction of varicella vaccine, there has been a considerable decline in the number of cases of chickenpox. Although considered to be very safe, many parents are concerned about the possible varicella vaccine side effects in children.

Varicella Vaccine Description
The varicella vaccine is sold under the brand name VARIVAX. It contains a strain of live, attenuated varicella virus. This virus is extracted from a child infected with varicella. This virus is then introduced into a human embryonic lung cell culture. It is then propagated in an embryonic guinea pig cell culture and finally propagated in a human diploid cell culture. The vaccine is then prepared after the virus is lyophilized in a preparation of sucrose, phosphate, glutamate and processed gelatin.

Side Effects of Varicella Vaccine in Children
It has been observed that there are not many cases of side effects related to varicella vaccine. Many children as well as adults have safely been administered this vaccine. Varicella vaccine side effects if any are very minor and resolve on their own. In some cases, medical treatment is required to treat the minor side effects. Only in rare cases, an individual develops serious side effects to the vaccine.

Mild Side Effects of Varicella Vaccine
When one is administered the varicella vaccine they may show a few mild side effects. Varicella vaccine side effects includes a rash that is very mild and looks like a mosquito bite. The other chickenpox vaccine side effects includes swelling or soreness at the site of injection. This swelling is observed in about 1 child of every 5 children vaccinated. In case of adolescents and adults, it is seen in 1 of every 3 people vaccinated. Side effects include fever that appears in about 1 out of 10 people vaccinated. Apart from this, about 1 person in about less than 20 people vaccinated may develop a rash that lasts for about a month.

Moderate Side Effects of Varicella Vaccine
A few people develop side effects that are moderate in nature. These side effects include seizures due to fever. These seizures are seen in only 1 person of every 1000 vaccinated individuals.

Severe Side Effects of Varicella Vaccine
A few people react violently to the varicella vaccine. This leads to severe side effects of varicella vaccine like pneumonia. In extremely rare cases, a person develops pneumonia as one of the side effects of varicella vaccine. Other side effects include low blood count, severe brain reactions, high fever, full-fledged allergic reaction, breathing difficulty, wheezing, hives, paleness, increased heartbeats, dizziness for a few minutes to hours after getting the shot, etc.

Varicella Vaccine Overview
Varicella vaccine is very safe and effective. In very rare cases, one observes serious or life-threatening side effects. However, people with either of the conditions should avoid receiving vaccinations for varicella. These conditions include:

• People with any serious health complication or illness
• Pregnant women
• People who have developed serious side effects after taking the first dose of varicella vaccine
• People allergic to gelatin
• People with HIV and other immunocompromised conditions
• Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
• People who have undergone blood transfusions in the past 5 to 6 months

If one observes any of the varicella vaccine side effects in children, they should call their doctor immediately. The doctor will be able to decide if the side effect is mild or severe. Accordingly, he may be able to guide you if the child requires any type of treatment. However, the side effects are extremely rare and the vaccine has successfully been administered to millions of people worldwide.