• People should not get chickenpox vaccine if they have ever had a life threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or (for those needing a second dose) a previous dose of chickenpox vaccine.
  
• People who are moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting chickenpox vaccine.
  
• Pregnant women should wait to get chickenpox vaccine until after they have given birth. Women should not get pregnant for 1 month after getting chickenpox vaccine.
  
• Some people should check with their doctor about whether they should get chickenpox vaccine, including anyone who:
  
  • Has HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system
    
  • Is being treated with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids, for 2 weeks or longer
    
  • Has any kind of cancer
    
  • Is taking cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
    
• People who recently had a transfusion or were given other blood products should ask their doctor when they may get chickenpox vaccine.
  

Ask your doctor or nurse for more information.