From the Guidelines
It's not normal to experience a "high-like" reaction to the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and this should be reported to your healthcare provider. While the varicella vaccine does contain a weakened live virus, typical side effects include mild fever, soreness at the injection site, and occasionally a mild rash with a few spots, as noted in studies such as 1. A feeling similar to being "high" is not an expected reaction. Common normal reactions occur within a few days after vaccination and are usually mild. The varicella vaccine works by introducing a weakened form of the virus to stimulate your immune system to build protection against chickenpox, but it shouldn't affect your mental state or create sensations of euphoria or intoxication, as supported by the findings in 1. If you're experiencing unusual neurological symptoms like feeling high, dizzy, or mentally altered after vaccination, contact your healthcare provider promptly as this could indicate an uncommon reaction that should be documented and evaluated. Key points to consider include:
- The varicella vaccine is generally well-tolerated, with rare instances of hypersensitivity reactions, as reported in 1.
- Typical side effects are mild and include pain and redness at the injection site, as well as occasional mild rash, as described in 1 and 1.
- Unusual neurological symptoms after vaccination should be promptly reported to a healthcare provider for evaluation, as they may indicate an uncommon reaction.
From the Research
Varicella Vaccine Reaction
- The varicella vaccine is a live vaccine, and as such, it can cause mild reactions in some individuals 2.
- Common reactions to the varicella vaccine are typically mild and may include redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site, as well as low-grade fever and rash 3.
- In rare cases, more serious adverse events can occur, such as varicella vaccine meningitis or progressive herpes zoster, although these are exceedingly rare and usually occur in immunocompromised individuals 3.
- A "high-like" reaction to the varicella vaccine is not typically reported in the literature, and it is unclear whether this would be considered a normal reaction or an adverse event that should be reported 2, 3, 4.
- It is essential to note that the varicella vaccine has an excellent safety record, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks of adverse events 2, 3.
Expected Reactions vs. Adverse Events
- Expected reactions to the varicella vaccine are typically mild and self-limiting, and do not require medical attention 2.
- Adverse events, on the other hand, are more serious and may require medical attention, such as hospitalization and treatment with antiviral medications 3.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for both expected reactions and adverse events, and should monitor individuals who have received the varicella vaccine for any signs of complications 3, 4.