(HealthDay News) -- The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine can help protect many people from the virus. But it's not recommended for everyone.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies people who should not get the chickenpox shot:

• Anyone who has had a life-threatening reaction to a prior dose of the vaccine, gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin.
• Anyone who is moderately or severely ill. It's recommended that you postpone the shot until you're well.
• Any woman who is pregnant or who is planning to become pregnant within one month of the vaccine.
• Anyone with a compromised immune system, such as those with cancer or AIDS.
• Anyone who has had a recent blood transfusion.