VARILRIX is a vaccine that helps protect against chickenpox (varicella).
VARILRIX is listed under Health Canada DIN 02241047. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
VARILRIX
DIN
02241047
Vaccine
Varicella-zoster virus, live attenuated (Oka strain)
Presentation
0.5 mL · powder for solution · subcutaneous · 12 months and older
Live vaccine
Yes
Age and suitability depend on the product, the person and the reason for vaccination. Use the planner for a starting point and confirm with a healthcare professional.
Official sources
Use the DIN to confirm this exact product in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
A listed product may not be stocked or publicly funded.
Before and after your vaccination
Bring your immunization record if you have one, so earlier doses can be checked.
Tell the healthcare professional about a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or an ingredient, and mention any health conditions or medicines that could affect your vaccination.
After the dose, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes. Tell someone right away if you feel faint or develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Keep a record of the vaccine name, date and dose you received.
The details below are adapted from a Pharmasist patient handout linked to the same product monograph. The current Canadian Immunization Guide determines the dose schedules shown later.
What this vaccine helps prevent
VARILRIX is a vaccine that helps protect against chickenpox (varicella).
It is used in healthy people 12 months of age and older, and in people at high risk of severe chickenpox, such as those being treated for leukemia or on medicines that weaken the immune system, along with their close contacts.
Chickenpox usually causes an itchy, blistering rash and fever, but it can sometimes lead to more serious problems.
What to mention before a dose
Tell your doctor or nurse if you or your child has ever had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine, to another chickenpox vaccine, or to the antibiotic neomycin.
Tell your doctor if you or your child has leukemia, lymphoma, a blood disorder, or any condition that weakens the immune system.
Tell your doctor if you or your child is taking, or has recently taken, medicine that weakens the immune system, such as high-dose steroids.
Tell your doctor if you or your child has untreated tuberculosis.
Tell your doctor if you or your child currently has a severe infection with a high fever.
Tell your doctor if you have a family history of immune system problems.
Tell your doctor if a tuberculosis skin test is planned soon, since this vaccine can affect the results for several weeks.
How it is given
This vaccine is given as a shot just under the skin, usually in the upper arm.
A doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional will give you this vaccine in a clinic or office.
Because this vaccine is given by injection, there is no need to take it with or without food.
Important things to know
Do not take aspirin or other salicylate medicines for 6 weeks after this vaccine, since this combination has been linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
Rare but serious brain swelling (encephalitis) has been reported after this vaccine, and in rare cases has been fatal, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Get medical help right away for confusion, reduced alertness, seizures, or loss of muscle control, along with fever and headache.
People with weakened immune systems should not receive this vaccine except in specific situations decided by a doctor, because of the risk of a more severe reaction.
There is a small chance that a recently vaccinated person could pass the vaccine virus to someone else who has not had chickenpox, especially if a rash develops after vaccination.
Effects you may notice
Pain and redness where the shot was given is very common.
A skin rash, swelling at the injection site, or fever can happen.
A cold, sore throat, or swollen glands can happen.
Irritability, headache, or sleepiness can happen.
Cough, runny nose, or sneezing can happen.
Nausea or vomiting can happen.
A few chickenpox-like spots may appear.
Itching, joint pain, or muscle aches can happen.
Tiredness or feeling generally unwell can happen.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Contact your doctor if a fever lasts more than a couple of days or is very high.
Contact your doctor if a rash spreads widely or does not improve.
Contact your doctor if you think you or your child was in close contact with someone at high risk, such as a person with a weakened immune system, after vaccination.
Contact your doctor about any side effect that worries you or does not go away.
When to get emergency help
Get emergency help for signs of a severe allergic reaction: an itchy or blistering rash, swelling of the eyes or face, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Get emergency help for confusion, reduced alertness, seizures, or loss of muscle control, especially with fever and headache.
Get emergency help for sudden weakness, difficulty walking, or loss of coordination.
Get emergency help for easy bruising or unusual bleeding.
Other medicines and vaccines
Do not take aspirin or other salicylate medicines for 6 weeks after this vaccine.
Tell your doctor about any recent blood transfusions or treatment with immune globulin, since these can affect how well the vaccine works.
Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and natural health products you or your child takes.
Key points to remember
Make sure you or your child completes both doses for the best protection.
Keep a record of your vaccination and bring it to future medical appointments.
Tell any new doctor, dentist, or healthcare professional that you or your child has recently received this vaccine.
No vaccine gives complete protection; contact your doctor if you develop chickenpox symptoms after vaccination.
These are Canadian Immunization Guide schedules associated with this DIN. The right schedule depends on age, health, prior doses and reason for vaccination. Public health recommendations may differ from a product monograph's authorized schedule.
Chickenpox — children, two doses (12 months to 12 years)
2 doses
Two doses, 3 months apart (minimum 4 weeks).
Children 12 months to 12 years without evidence of immunity: first dose at 12 to 15 months, second at 18 months or later but before school entry. Recommended interval 3 months; minimum 4 weeks when rapid protection is needed.
Chickenpox — 13 years and older, two doses
2 doses
Two doses 6 weeks apart (minimum 4 weeks) for people without immunity.
Adolescents and adults without a history of chickenpox, laboratory evidence of immunity or prior immunization: two doses, recommended 6 weeks apart, minimum 4 weeks. Avoid pregnancy for 1 month after each dose.
Family guidance on pregnancy: Contraindicated: a live vaccine. Avoid pregnancy for 4 weeks after a dose. A dose given before pregnancy was known is not grounds for termination.
Family guidance on breastfeeding: Recommended if not immune.
General information only. A suggested date is not an appointment or a prescription; a healthcare professional confirms what you need. Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27.