Contact and Find Out More
Here you will find additional information and forums about chickenpox, including details about chickenpox symptoms, exposure to chickenpox, what a chickenpox rash looks like and steps you can take to prevent chicken pox.
If you have immediate concerns, talk to your doctor or practice nurse. They can also help answer any questions you might have. In an emergency, phone 111.
http://www.kidshealth.org.nz/chickenpox
Starship Foundation and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand have developed this website as a resource to help improve the health of young New Zealanders. It explains in simple language about chickenpox, symptoms and treatment and also provides details of helplines you can phone.
http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/chickenpox
The NZ Ministry of Health provides full information on chickenpox, symptoms, treatment and prevention, as well as a downloadable PDF.
http://www.immune.org.nz/diseases/varicella
The Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) is a nationwide organisation based at the School of Population Health at The University of Auckland. The aim of IMAC is to provide a local source of independent, factual information based on international and New Zealand scientific research regarding vaccine-preventable diseases. This includes information about the benefits and risks of immunization. They also provide information and training for health professionals, national immunisation coordination and policy advice and research into many aspects of vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases.
For questions relating to immunisation and vaccination-preventable diseases you can call IMAC free on:
0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863), weekdays 9am-4.30 pm
or email them via their website
Other useful contacts:
PlunketLine 0800 933 922 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Healthline 0800 611 611 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Contact GSK
If you have a question about a GSK vaccine or would like to report an adverse event, please call Medical Information on 0800 808 500 or 09 3672900.
GSK New Zealand http://gsk.co.nz/contact.html
Contact details for countries other than New Zealand can be found at http://www.gsk.com/contactus.htm
Varilrix® (live attenuated varicella vaccine) is available as an injection. Varilrix is a private-purchase prescription medicine for immunisation and prophylaxis against varicella (chickenpox) in adults and children older than 9 months. You will need to pay for this medicine. Children aged 13 years and older need two doses with an interval between doses of at least 6 weeks. Two doses at least 6 weeks apart are also recommended for children aged between 9 months and 12 years, to provide optimal protection. Use strictly as directed. Do not have a Varilrix injection if you are allergic to Varilrix or to the antibiotic neomycin, if you have a high fever, if you have a condition that causes lack of immunocompetence, or if you are pregnant. Pregnancy should be avoided for 3 months after vaccination. Tell your doctor before you have the vaccine if you have a lowered resistance to disease or have a severe chronic disease. Common side effects: mild rash, a small number of chicken-pox-like blisters, or pain, redness and swelling at the injection site. Uncommon side effects include fever, headache, cough, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain. If you have any side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist, or health professional. Additional Consumer Medicine Information for Varilrix is available at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Prices for Varilrix may vary across doctor's clinics. Normal doctor's office visit fees apply. Ask your doctor if Varilrix is right for you.
Varilrix is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies. Marketed by GlaxoSmithKline NZ Limited, Auckland.
Adverse events involving GSK products should be reported to GSK Medical Information on 0800 808 500.
GSK NZ Limited, Auckland, New Zealand. Updated 01.06.14. TAPS NA 7116/14MY/VAR/0013/13
We cannot answer questions on vaccines through this website or via email.
If you are a patient and have specific questions or information regarding any GSK prescription medicines, please first consult your doctor or healthcare professional. If you have a question about a GSK vaccine or would like to report an adverse event, please call Medical Information on 0800 808 500 or 09 3672900. Contact details for countries other than New Zealand can be found at http://www.gsk.com/contactus.htm
Clicking this link will take you to an independent non GSK site that may contain content that does not necessarily reflect the views of GSK or the licenced indications for the use of GSK products.