Varivax is a vaccine against chickenpox (varicella). It contains a live virus and the most common long-term side effect is the virus re-activating and causing the disease shingles in adults.
Need a Texas Varivax Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with a severe side effect, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
What is Varivax?
Varivax® (Varicella Virus Vaccine Live) is a chickenpox vaccine that is made by Merck & Co. and manufactured in Pennsylvania. The FDA approved Varivax in the United States in March 1995. Varivax is now given to over 80% of children as a routine immunization.
Who Can Get Varivax?
Varivax is a 0.5 mL injection that is administered in a single shot. It is only approved for use in children at least 12 months old. The CDC recommends two doses of Varivax to boost immunity to chickenpox.
How Many Doses of Varivax Do I Need?
Children between 12 months and 12 years of age should get their 1st dose of Varivax between the ages of 12-15 months, and their 2nd dose between the ages of 4-6 years. Each dose should be given at least 3 months apart.
Teenagers over 13 years old and adults should get two doses of Varivax at least 4 weeks apart. The CDC started recommending booster shots in 2006 to reduce the risk of “breakthrough” infections.
How Effective is Varivax?
One dose of Varivax is only 80-85% effective in children, which means up to 20% of children who get vaccinated could still get chickenpox. These infections are usually much milder and less serious, but experts still recommend two doses.
Does Varivax Wear Off?
No one knows how long Varivax is effective. However, viruses naturally evolve immunity and all vaccines eventually lose effectiveness over time. Varivax has significantly reduced rates of chickenpox, but many cases that do occur are in vaccinated adults.
What Are Side Effects of Varivax?
Varivax contains a live varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Once you receive the vaccine, the virus stays inactive in the body for years. About 33% of adults who are infected with this virus develop shingles, a painful skin rash. It frequently causes chronic pain or nerve damage.
The most common side effects of Varivax are less serious. Many people develop a mild chickenpox rash after receiving the vaccine, which can spread the virus to others for up to 6 weeks. About 20% of people suffer pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
Around 10-15% of people who get Varivax develop fevers. Do NOT use aspirin to treat fevers or pain. This can cause Reye’s Syndrome, a devastating condition that causes liver inflammation or brain damage.
Rare but serious side effects that have been reported include:
- Allergic reactions
- Eye damage (necrotizing retinitis)
- Bleeding or bruising disorders
- Low blood count (anemia)
- Severe skin reactions
- Bacterial skin infections
- Swelling of the brain
- Stroke
- Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia)
- Organ damage
- Seizures (with or without a fever)
- Death
Need a Varivax Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Varivax lawyers for a free lawsuit review.