Varicella Immunization: Protocol For Ages 7+.pdf

Varicella virus vaccine live (VARIVAX®) or Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella Virus vaccine live (ProQuad®)
- Age group: 7 years and older (VARIVAX®), 7 through 12 years (ProQuad®)
- Dosage: 0.5 mL
- Number of doses: 2
- Route of administration: Subcutaneous (SC)

Patient Population:
- Patients without evidence of immunity, defined as:
- No written documentation of 2 doses of varicella vaccine
- No history of varicella disease or herpes zoster
- No laboratory evidence of immunity or confirmation of disease
- Not born in the U.S. before 1980, with exceptions for healthcare personnel and pregnant women

Immunization Schedule:
- Give a second dose to those with only one dose
- Space doses at least 3 months apart for those under 13 years, and at least 4 weeks apart for those 13 years and older
- May be used as postexposure prophylaxis within 5 days of exposure

Precautions and Contraindications:
- Severe allergy to vaccine components
- Severe immunodeficiency, including certain cancers, chemotherapy, HIV infection, and immunosuppressive therapy
- Active untreated tuberculosis, acute illness, or fever
- Pregnancy and for 4 weeks postpartum
- Recent blood or plasma transfusions, or administration of immunoglobulins
- Specific antiviral use within 24 hours of vaccination
- Salicylate-containing products use in children and adolescents for 6 weeks post-vaccination
- ProQuad® use in children with cerebral injury, seizures, or thrombocytopenia
- Vaccine virus transmission to susceptible contacts

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions:
- Local reactions: injection-site complaints, varicella-like rash
- General reactions: fever, varicella-like rash (VARIVAX®), irritability, measles-like rash (ProQuad®)

Administration:
- Prescription required for ages 7-13
- Patient/parent consent and VIS provision
- Vaccine storage and reconstitution procedures
- Subcutaneous injection into the fatty tissue over the triceps
- Monitoring and management of adverse reactions, including severe allergic/anaphylactic reactions