Varivax Dosage/Direction for Use

FOR SUBCUTANEOUS ADMINISTRATION.
Do not inject intravenously.
Children 12 months to 12 years of age should receive a 0.5 mL dose administered subcutaneously. If a second dose is administered, there should be a minimum interval of 3 months between doses (see Pharmacology under ACTIONS).
Adolescents and adults 13 years of age and older should receive a 0.5 mL dose administered subcutaneously at elected date and a second 0.5 mL dose 4 to 8 weeks later.
The outer aspect of the upper arm (deltoid region) is the preferred site of injection.
Methods of administration: Prefilled syringe of diluent: To reconstitute the vaccine, inject all of the diluent (0.7 mL) in the prefilled syringe into the vial of lyophilized vaccine and gently agitate to mix thoroughly. Withdraw the entire contents into the syringe and inject the total volume (about 0.5 mL) of reconstituted vaccine subcutaneously, preferably into the outer aspect of the upper arm (deltoid region) or the anterolateral thigh. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE VACCINE BE ADMINISTERED IMMEDIATELY AFTER RECONSTITUTION, TO MINIMIZE LOSS OF POTENCY. DISCARD IF RECONSTITUTED VACCINE IS NOT USED WITHIN 30 MINUTES.
Do not freeze reconstituted vaccine.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. VARIVAX Refrigerated when reconstituted is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid.
Vial of diluent: The diluent should be stored separately at room temperature (20 to 25°C, 68 to 77°F), or in the refrigerator.
To reconstitute the vaccine, first withdraw 0.7 mL of diluent into the syringe to be used for reconstitution. Inject all of the diluent in the syringe into the vial of lyophilized vaccine and gently agitate to mix thoroughly. Withdraw the entire contents into a syringe and inject the total volume (about 0.5 mL) of reconstituted vaccine subcutaneously, preferably into the outer aspect of the upper arm (deltoid region) or the anterolateral thigh. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE VACCINE BE ADMINISTERED IMMEDIATELY AFTER RECONSTITUTION, TO MINIMIZE LOSS OF POTENCY. DISCARD IF RECONSTITUTED VACCINE IS NOT USED WITHIN 30 MINUTES.
Do not freeze reconstituted vaccine.
CAUTION: A sterile syringe free of preservatives, antiseptics, and detergents should be used for each injection and/or reconstitution of VARIVAX Refrigerated because these substances may inactivate the vaccine virus.
It is important to use a separate sterile syringe and needle for each patient to prevent transmission of infectious agents from one individual to another.
To reconstitute the vaccine, use only the diluent supplied (Sterile Diluent for Merck, Sharp, & Dohme Live Virus Vaccines), since it is free of preservatives or other anti-viral substances which might inactivate the vaccine virus.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. VARIVAX Refrigerated when reconstituted is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid.