Varizost Injection 0.5 ml/vial is a live attenuated varicella virus vaccine indicated for the prevention of varicella (chickenpox) infection. It is recommended for:

• Children aged 12 months and older who have not had varicella infection

• Adolescents and adults who are susceptible to varicella and have no prior history of chickenpox or vaccination

• Individuals in close contact with immunocompromised patients, including healthcare workers and household contacts

• Patients at high risk of exposure to varicella, such as those in school or daycare settings

Vaccination with Varizost significantly reduces the risk of developing chickenpox and, if infection occurs post-vaccination, it typically results in a milder disease course with fewer complications. Varizost also helps prevent complications associated with varicella infection, such as bacterial superinfection of the skin, pneumonia, and encephalitis.

রেজিস্টার্ড চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ঔষধ সেবন করুন

Pharmacology

Varizost contains a live, attenuated strain of varicella-zoster virus (Oka/Merck strain) that stimulates the immune system to produce protective antibodies. After administration, the immune system recognizes the virus, producing both humoral (antibody-mediated) and cellular immune responses. This process establishes immunological memory, which allows the body to respond rapidly and effectively if exposed to the wild-type virus in the future.

As a live attenuated vaccine, Varizost cannot cause severe varicella in healthy individuals but may produce mild, self-limiting symptoms, such as a low-grade fever or mild rash, reflecting immune system activation.

Dosage & Administration

Varizost Injection is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, preferably in the upper arm or thigh:

• Children (12 months to 12 years): One 0.5 ml dose; a second dose is recommended after 4–6 weeks for optimal immunity.

• Adolescents and adults: Two 0.5 ml doses, given 4–8 weeks apart, to ensure complete immunization.

The vaccine should be stored and reconstituted according to manufacturer instructions, and any unused portion of the reconstituted vaccine should be discarded. Vaccination should be delayed in individuals with acute febrile illness or active infection.

Contraindications

Varizost Injection is contraindicated in:

• Individuals with known hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine

• Severely immunocompromised patients, including those undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or immunosuppressive therapy

• Pregnant women or women planning pregnancy within one month of vaccination

• Individuals with a history of anaphylactic reaction to neomycin, gelatin, or other vaccine components

  রেজিস্টার্ড চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ঔষধ সেবন করুন

Side Effects

Common side effects are generally mild and self-limiting, including:

• Low-grade fever

• Redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site

• Mild rash, sometimes resembling chickenpox, appearing 1–3 weeks post-vaccination

• Temporary fatigue or irritability

Serious adverse reactions are rare but may include allergic reactions or neurological symptoms.

Precautions & Warnings

• Use with caution in individuals with mild immunodeficiency or chronic illness.

• Avoid contact with severely immunocompromised persons for at least 6 weeks post-vaccination.

• Monitor for rare allergic reactions after administration.

• The vaccine may interfere with tuberculin skin test reactivity; testing should be performed either on the same day as vaccination or 4–6 weeks after.

Therapeutic Class

Live Attenuated Vaccine – Varicella Virus

Storage Conditions

Store Varizost Injection in a refrigerator at 2–8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Reconstitute immediately before use and use promptly. Discard any unused vaccine after reconstitution.