Okavax

Details

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Live attenuated Varicella-zoster Vaccine (Oka strain) is used to protect the human body against Varicella and is present as a lyophilized virus. Oka strain was attenuated via sequential passages in cultures of human embryonic lung cells, human diploid cell line WI-38, and embryonic guinea-pig cells. It is available in pharmacies by the name of Okavax all over the world.

Purpose:

• Okavax helps in preventing herpes zoster and varicella-zoster.
• The varicella-zoster virus leads to the development of chickenpox, which is also prevented by Live attenuated Varicella-zoster Vaccine (Oka strain).

 

Mechanism:

This vaccine is attenuated in its infectivity for human skin, including decreased viral protein synthetic and reduced yields of infectious virus by virologic measures. The presence of hydrolyzed gelatine and sucrose helps fight Varicella.

 

Dosage:

• Okavax is meant to be injected in individuals ageing above 12 months.
• For 12 months to 12 years of age: The first dose administered should be of 0.5ml. In case, a second dose needs to be given, it should be administered after 3 months of the first dose.
• For 13 years of age and above: Two doses of 0.5ml each, second dose with an interval of one month after the first dose.

 

Side effects:

• Fever
• Median number of lesions
• Varicella like rash on the site of injection
• Pain, pruritus, stiffness, hematoma, erythema, induration among others are the most common side effects of Live attenuated Varicella-zoster Vaccine (Oka strain).
• If dermatitis, myalgia, lymphadenopathy, otitis, lower respiratory illness, or pneumonitis is experienced by the person after the vaccine, he/she should consult the doctor immediately.

 

Precautions and measures:

• Shake the syringe well before use.
• Caps of prefilled syringes contain rubber latex, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
• Female patients should avoid pregnancy after getting Live attenuated Varicella-zoster Vaccine (Oka strain).
• Immune globulins should not be given for 2 months after the vaccine.
• Epinephrine injection should be available if anaphylaxis occurs at the sight of this vaccine.
• People with impaired humoral immunity can also be vaccinated with this medication.
• Breastfeeding mothers are considered to be safe for this vaccine.
• Store it at the room temperature.
• Before putting it to use, it should not be exposed to sunlight.

 

Interactions:

• Patient’s receiving immunosuppressive therapies and corticosteroids should not get this vaccine. It can cause a negative reaction in the body.

Tuberculosis and Febrile illness patients should not get it injected as the effect of Okavax might not be very helpful.