VARIVAX III is a vaccine that helps protect you or your child against chickenpox (varicella).
VARIVAX III is listed under Health Canada DIN 02246081. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
VARIVAX III
DIN
02246081
Vaccine
Varicella virus, live attenuated (Oka/Merck strain)
Presentation
0.5 mL · powder for solution · subcutaneous or intramuscular · 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
VARIVAX III is a vaccine that helps protect you or your child against chickenpox (varicella).
It is given to people 12 months of age and older.
Chickenpox usually causes an itchy rash and fever, but it can sometimes lead to serious problems like skin infections, pneumonia, or swelling of the brain.
What to mention before a dose
Tell your doctor or nurse if you or your child is allergic to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or any other part of this vaccine.
Tell your doctor if you or your child has a blood disorder, cancer, or any condition that affects the immune system.
Tell your doctor if you or your child is taking medicine that weakens the immune system, such as high-dose steroids.
Tell your doctor if anyone in your family has a history of immune system problems present from birth.
Tell your doctor if you or your child has untreated tuberculosis.
Tell your doctor if you or your child currently has a high fever.
How it is given
This vaccine is given as a shot, either into the muscle or 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 medicine is given by injection, there is no need to take it with or without food.
Important things to know
Do not take aspirin or any other medicine containing salicylates for 6 weeks after this vaccine. Taking these together has been linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
Swelling of the brain (encephalitis) has rarely been reported after this vaccine, and in rare cases has been fatal, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Effects you may notice
Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given is common.
A mild fever can happen.
A few chickenpox-like spots may appear at the injection site or elsewhere on the body.
Tiredness, irritability, or trouble sleeping can happen.
Loss of appetite, an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea can happen.
A cold, cough, sore throat, or ear infection can happen.
Headache or feeling unwell can happen.
Muscle aches, joint pain, or a stiff neck can happen.
Itching or a skin rash 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 start to improve.
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: hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or dizziness that comes on quickly.
Get emergency help for a seizure, or for loss of consciousness.
Get emergency help for a severe headache with a stiff neck, confusion, or unusual sleepiness, especially with fever, as these can be signs of brain swelling.
Get emergency help for easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or tiny red or purple spots on the skin.
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 take.
Key points to remember
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.