How to Spot Varicella Vaccine Side Effects

The Varicella vaccine helps prevent a case of the chicken pox. This is a common childhood disease that used to affect almost all children. The disease has always been more dangerous when an adult contracts it, but now there is a solution with the vaccine. It has shortened and lessened the number of cases in the U.S. each year. Here are some ways to identify side effects from the vaccine.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for a red area around the injection site. One out of every five children and one out of every three adults have swelling and soreness at the injection location. This is a mild side effect and should subside within a few days to a week.

• 2

  Feel a mild fever. Only 10 percent of people who receive the chicken pox vaccine get a fever. It will be a low grade fever around 100 degrees. It should not last long and can be treated with Tylenol.

• 3

  See a mild rash on the injection area. The rash will look reddish and can be contagious. Only five percent of people will get the rash. Stay away from other people and family members because if they touch the rash, they can contract chicken pox. The rash could last up to one month.

• 4

  Be aware that pneumonia is another side effect of the Varicella vaccine. This is very rare, but has occurred in some chicken pox vaccine patients.

• 5

  Prepare yourself for the rare possibility of seizures. In very few cases, the Varicella vaccine can cause mild to severe seizures. Contact your doctor immediately if this occurs.

• 6

  Watch for the most serious and rare side effects like neurological problems and a low blood count. If the person is acting strangely, contact your doctor and remind the doctor that the person just had a Varicella vaccine.