Pediatric Nursing Q 178
Which of the following is not true regarding the varicella vaccine?
A. It is administered subcutaneously.
B. Children 13 years and older (With no history of chickenpox or have not previously vaccinated) need two doses given at least 28 days apart.
C. Give aspirin for any injection-related pain.
D. The most common mild side effects are pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Correct Answer: C. Give aspirin for any injection-related pain.
Children receiving the varicella vaccine should avoid aspirin or aspirin-containing products because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. After administration of the vaccine, it is recommended to avoid salicylates for five weeks due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome and to avoid contact with susceptible high-risk individuals.
Option A: The varicella vaccine is only available to be administered subcutaneously. It is best when practitioners inject the vaccine in the outer aspect of the upper arm in the deltoid region or anterolateral thigh.
Option B: The first dose is given to children between 12 to 15 months of age, and administration of the second dose is for children between 4 to 6 years old. If three months have passed since the first dose, one may opt to give the second dose earlier. If a child has never been vaccinated or had chickenpox, the practitioner should give the two doses at least 28 days apart.
Option D: The most commonly reported adverse effect is soreness or swelling at the injection site. Some other mild reported reactions include fever and mild vaccine-associated varicelliform rash. The rash comprises six to ten papular, vesicular, erythematous lesions which peak around eight to 21 days after injection.