Chickenpox Vaccine Side Effects (Cont.)

Severe Side Effects of Chickenpox Vaccine

Severe chickenpox vaccine side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Pneumonia (very rare).
     
Other serious problems, including severe brain reactions and low blood count, have been reported after chickenpox vaccination. These happen so rarely, experts usually cannot tell whether they are caused by the vaccine or something else.
 
The following symptoms after the chickenpox vaccine may indicate a serious problem:
 
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • High fever
  • Changes in behavior.
 
Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include:
 
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hoarseness or wheezing
  • Hives
  • Paleness
  • Weakness
  • A fast heart beat
  • Dizziness within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.
     
If a high fever or seizure occurs, it would happen 1 to 6 weeks after the injection.
 
These are just some of the symptoms to look out for. As always, if something seems unusual or "just not right," contact your healthcare provider.
 

What to Do If You Have a Chickenpox Vaccine Side Effect

If you or someone you know has a side effect due to the chickenpox vaccine:
 
  • Call a doctor or get the person to a doctor right away
  • Write down what happened, as well as the date and time it happened
  • Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form, or you can call (800) 822-7967 (toll-free).
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;