Varivax

Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD on May 30, 2023
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD

This article describes Varivax’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of Varivax.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Varivax for certain conditions. Approved uses for Varivax are described below.

Use for chickenpox prevention

Doctors may prescribe Varivax vaccine to help prevent chickenpox. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 12 months and older. For immunization, Varivax is usually prescribed as a series of two shots. (Immunization refers to the process of protecting against a disease with a vaccine.)

With chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes an itchy skin rash with blisters. The rash usually starts on the face, back, or chest and can spread across the whole body. Symptoms can be more severe in adults than in children and may lead to complications, such as pneumonia. Varivax protects against VZV and helps prevent chickenpox.

Doctors may not prescribe Varivax vaccine in certain situations, such as for people with:

• active, untreated tuberculosis
• a fever higher than 101.3°F
• a weakened immune system

The timing of doses of Varivax your doctor prescribes can vary based on your age. Talk with your doctor about your dosage schedule.

Receiving Varivax

Varivax vaccine is administered (given) by injection under the skin or into a muscle.

Your doctor will explain how Varivax will be given to you and where you’ll receive it. They’ll also tell you how many doses you’ll receive and how often.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about Varivax.

How does Varivax compare with Varilrix and Shingrix?

Similar to Varivax, Varilrix and Shingrix are both vaccines that work against the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

Varilrix is a live vaccine that helps prevent chickenpox in adults and certain children. But it isn’t available in the United States. (Live vaccines contain a live, weakened form of the germ they protect against.)

Shingrix is a vaccine that helps prevent shingles. Shingles is also caused by VZV. After you recover from chickenpox, VZV remains in your body, but it is inactive. Shingles occurs when the virus reactivates and causes a painful skin rash. This usually occurs in people ages 50 years and older. Unlike Varivax, Shingrix isn’t a live vaccine, and it’s only approved for use in adults.

If you have questions about how Varivax compares with other vaccines, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How is Varivax stored?

Varivax comes as a powder in a vial. This vial is stored in a freezer until your doctor or another healthcare professional prepares it for use. After your doctor prepares the vial, they can store it in a refrigerator for 72 hours. A dose can remain at room temperature for up to 30 minutes.

For questions about how Varivax is stored, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Varivax a live vaccine?

Yes, Varivax is a live vaccine. (Live vaccines contain a live, weakened form of the germ they protect against.) The vaccine contains weakened varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The weakened virus isn’t likely to cause disease. But it can still activate your immune system to help protect you against chickenpox. (VZV causes chickenpox.)

If you have questions or concerns about getting a live vaccine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How does Varivax work? And how long does it take to start working?

Varivax works by exposing your immune system to a weakened version of varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The weakened virus can’t cause disease, but your immune system can still learn how to respond to it. Your immune system remembers this response. Then, if you catch the virus from someone, your immune system is usually able to fight off the virus before it causes disease.

Varivax will start activating your immune system right away. Full protection will start about 6 weeks after the second dose.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about what to expect with Varivax.

You may be able to save money on your prescription for Varivax by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for Varivax, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Varivax may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of Varivax and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about Varivax’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for Varivax.

* To view Varivax’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with Varivax are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about Varivax’s side effects, see the drug’s prescribing information.*

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Varivax vaccine’s mild side effects include:

• fever
• mild chickenpox-like rash at the injection site
• mild chickenpox-like rash on the body
• pain, redness, discoloration, and swelling at the injection site
• mild allergic reaction†

* To view Varivax’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Varivax” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of Varivax are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about Varivax’s side effects, see the drug’s prescribing information.*

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, Varivax’s serious side effects include:

• meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)
• risk of virus transmission (spread) to certain people at high risk of contracting it†
• seizures that may occur with a fever
• severe allergic reaction‡

* To view Varivax’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section.
† People with a high risk of this side effect include people with a weakened immune system. They also include pregnant people who never had chickenpox or a chickenpox vaccine and their newborns.
‡ For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Varivax” section.

Below, you’ll find information about Varivax’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of Varivax

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or receiving the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you receive Varivax, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for Varivax” section.

Warnings for Varivax

Certain people should not receive the Varivax vaccine.

Varivax could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether Varivax is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for Varivax, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Varivax can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Varivax or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely recommend that you do not receive Varivax. They can tell you about safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to Varivax, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and Varivax

Information about Varivax and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Varivax and pregnancy

Varivax should not be received during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before receiving this vaccine. Your doctor may suggest waiting 3 months to become pregnant after receiving Varivax. If you’re already pregnant, your doctor will likely suggest waiting until after delivery to receive Varivax.

Varivax and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Varivax should be received while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before receiving this vaccine.

This article describes Varivax’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about Varivax or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Can Varivax cause chickenpox?
• How long does Varivax protect against chickenpox?
• What happens if I wait too long between doses of Varivax?
• If I get Varivax, will I still need to get Shingrix in the future?

• Chickenpox (varicella) vaccines. (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaccines/varicella-vaccine.html
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Purple Book: Database of licensed biological products. https://purplebooksearch.fda.gov/results?query=Varicella%20Virus%20Vaccine%20Live&title=Varivax
• Varivax, varicella virus vaccine live suspension for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. (2023). https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/v/varivax/varivax_pi.pdf

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.