Varicella vaccine reaction - should I see a doctor?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I received the varicella vaccine 2 days ago. the injection site is very red and swollen, about the size of a baseball, and my whole arm is starting to swell and is very painful. what can i do?

Dear Christy: It is possible that you are experiencing side-effects of the varicella vaccine. Side effects are generally mild and include redness, stiffness, and soreness and rash at the injection site; such localized reactions occur in 24% of adults. I would suggest that you see your doctor if the rash starts increasing in size or develops elsewhere in the body or you start having a fever. Your healthcare provider may prescribe painkillers or corticosteriods if the rash is severe.