Call Today for a FREE Confidential Case Review
Toll-Free 24/7 (866) 920-0753

Varivax Lawsuit

Varivax Lawsuit

Varivax is a chickenpox vaccine that contains a live virus. In some cases, this virus re-activates later in life and causes shingles. Other side effects include fever and chickenpox skin rashes.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Varivax induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by chickenpox vaccine side effects, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Vaccine Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

What is Varivax?

Varivax® is an immunization against chickenpox (varicella) that is manufactured by Merck & Co. It was approved by the FDA in March 1995 and is now given to over 80% of children before starting school.

Who Created the Chickenpox Vaccine?

Dr. Michiaki Takahashiat created the chickenpox vaccine in 1974 at Biken Institute in Osaka, Japan from a wild Oka strain of the virus.

How Does Varivax Work?

Varivax contains a live varicella-zoster virus. The virus is “attenuated,” meaning it is weaker than a wild-type virus. It is designed to cause a mild infection that triggers the immune system to respond and develop antibodies to fight future infections. This is how the body becomes immune to a viral disease like chickenpox.

How Many Shots Do I Need?

Varivax is administered in a single 0.5 mL shot. It is usually injected just under the skin on the upper arm or thigh.

Children: 1st dose of Varivax is given between 12-15 months of age. The 2nd dose is given between age 4-6 years old. Each shot must be given at least 3 months apart in children.

Teenagers (over 13) and Adults: In 2006, the CDC started recommending two doses of Varivax. Each shot should be given at least 4 weeks apart.

Does Varivax Always Work?

No. The first shot is only estimated to work in 80-85% of people. Two shots boost immunity against chickenpox, but no one knows how long protection lasts.

Can Varivax Cause Chickenpox?

Yes. Varivax contains a live virus and in rare cases it can cause severe chickenpox infections. About 7% of people develop a mild chickenpox-like skin rash with a few red bumps. These people are contagious and they can spread chickenpox for up to 6 weeks.

Can Varivax Cause Shingles?

Yes. The same virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. Once you are vaccinated with Varivax, the virus stays in your body forever. It usually does not cause problems, but in about 33% of adults it re-activates for unknown reasons and causes shingles.

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a painful skin rash with blisters. The rash usually clears up in a few weeks, but about 20% of people are left with chronic pain — a condition called Post-Herpetic Neuralgia. Many people describe this pain as “excruciating,” and it can interfere with daily activities or sleep.

What Are Other Side Effects of Varivax?

Around 20% of people who get Varivax develop pain, redness, swelling, or itching where the shot was given.

Around 10-15% of people who get Varivax develop fevers. These fevers should NOT be treated with aspirin due to the risk of Reye’s Syndrome, a side effect that can cause sudden brain damage and liver inflammation. In rare cases, high fevers also cause seizures.

Varivax is also associated with rare reports of serious side effects, such as:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Eye damage (necrotizing retinitis)
  • Bleeding or bruising disorders
  • Low blood count (anemia)
  • Severe skin reactions
  • Bacterial skin infections
  • Swelling of the brain
  • Stroke
  • Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia)
  • Organ damage
  • Seizures (with or without a fever)
  • Death

Do I have a Varivax Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Varivax induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by chickenpox vaccine side effects, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Vaccine Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Free Case Evaluation


The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.

No matter what type of case you have, you may contact us with confidence by filling out the email contact form below or calling us directly by dialing toll free 24 hrs/day (866) 920-0753.