Chickenpox Vaccine Information

The chickenpox vaccine is a shot that can protect nearly anyone who receives the vaccine from catching chickenpox. It’s also called the varicella vaccine, because chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The vaccine is made from a live but weakened virus.

Although the virus in the chickenpox vaccine is generally incapable of causing a disease, it still stimulates a response from the body’s immune system. That response is what gives someone who had a shot for chickenpox immunity or protection from the illness. While the chickenpox vaccine is safe for most people, it can cause adverse reactions and injuries in people of all ages.

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program may provide compensation for: (1) anaphylaxis, which is an acute allergic reaction to the antigen in the vaccine; (2) varicella vaccine-strain viral disease, which is a rare but serious disease more prevalent in persons whose immunity is compromised; (3) varicella vaccine-strain viral reactivation,which is an activation of the virus related to the vaccine; (4) Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine, known as SIRVA, which is a sometimes-painful injury to the shoulder where the vaccine was administered, and (5) Vasovagal Syncope, which is when a person faints because his or her body overreacts to certain triggers, such as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress.