FAQs

shadow
  • I had chickenpox as a child and was fine, so why should I vaccinate my child?

  • Many children get through chickenpox with just a few spots. However some have a terrible time with hundreds of spots, some of which can cause lifelong scarring.1 Unfortunately, up to 280 children each year in NZ experience severe cases with complications which require going to hospital.2 These include:

    • meningitis
    • pneumonia
    • encephalitis
    • severe skin infections
    • even death2,3
  • Can I get chickenpox if I have been vaccinated?

  • A small percentage of people vaccinated for chickenpox may still experience the illness; however, it is likely to be less severe in terms of the symptoms and days needed to recover.2  Vaccination with 2 doses has been shown to be more effective at preventing any type of chickenpox compared with just receiving 1 dose.4

  • Is it better to have my child exposed naturally to chickenpox or to vaccinate?

  • Exposing your child to others with chickenpox is not a guarantee that they will become infected or that they’ll get a mild case of chickenpox.3,4 In fact, exposing them to chickenpox puts them at risk of experiencing the severe complications listed above. Vaccination is a well-tolerated and proven way to protect against chickenpox.2,4

  • What if my child has already been exposed to chickenpox at daycare, kindergarten or school?

  • If you or your child has been exposed to someone with chickenpox, getting vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure can help prevent chickenpox or at least make the illness milder.4

  • Will the chickenpox vaccine protect me against shingles?

  • Vaccination with the chickenpox vaccine is not intended to protect against shingles. 

  • Can I have the chickenpox vaccine if I’m pregnant?

  • No. If you are pregnant wait until after the birth of your child to be vaccinated yourself.4 If you’re planning on getting pregnant, you can be vaccinated up to three months prior to becoming pregnant.4

  • Is the chickenpox vaccine a new vaccine?

  • No – the vaccine was first licensed for use in 1995.2 It is currently in use in 96 countries around the world including Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.8-11

  • When is the best time to vaccinate?

  • As soon as possible from 9 months of age. This is particularly important where there is an increased risk of your child coming into contact with chickenpox e.g. at daycare centres, play groups, Playcentres and/or if your child has an older sibling.12

  • Will vaccination as a child give life-long protection?

  •  Protection from the vaccine is known to last for at least 20 years, as that is the length of time that vaccinated people have been followed for.13 It is thought that following vaccination, immunity is continually boosted by coming into contact with chickenpox in the community, providing long-term protection. 12

ad
To help prevent chickenpox
Vaccinate with Varilrix from 9 months 4
shadow

Additional Consumer Medicine Information is available at:
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/cmi/v/Varilrix.pdf

References:

  1. Starship Foundation and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand. KidsHealth. Available at: http://www.kidshealth.org.nz/chickenpox. Accessed 30 April 2014
  2.  Ministry of Health; Immunisation Handbook 2014. Wellington: Ministry of Health; 2014
  3. Rentier B et al. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2004;23:379-89
  4.  GSK NZ Ltd. Varilrix® Data Sheet. Available at: http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/v/Varilrixinj.pdf. Accessed 30 April 2014
  5. Skull S, Wang EEL. Arch Dis Child. 2001;85:83-90
  6. Levin M et al. J Infect Dis. 1998;178(Suppl 1):S109-112
  7. Gershon AA et al. J Infect Dis. 1988;158:132-137
  8. GSK Varilrix® data on file
  9. Carville KS et al. Vaccine. 2010;28(13):2532-8
  10. Nguyen HQ et al. N Engl J Med. 2005;352(5):450-8
  11. Shah SS et al. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2010;29(3):199-204
  12.  Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC). Chickenpox (Varicella) Fact Sheet for Parents and Caregivers. Available at: http://www.immune.org.nz/sites/default/files/resources/DiseaseVaricellaImac20121018V03Final.pdf Accessed 30 April 2014
  13. Takahashi M. Paediatri Drugs. 2001;3:285-92

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


GSK

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.