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Varicella Virus Vaccine Live

Sanofi Pasteur, a Sanofi Company · FDA-approved active Biologic

Varicella Virus Vaccine Live is a Live attenuated vaccine Biologic drug developed by Sanofi Pasteur, a Sanofi Company. It is currently FDA-approved for Prevention of varicella (chickenpox) in susceptible individuals, Post-exposure prophylaxis of varicella in non-immune individuals. Also known as: Varicella vaccine, VARIVAX®, Varivax.

This live attenuated vaccine stimulates the immune system to recognize and protect against varicella-zoster virus by inducing both cellular and humoral immunity.

This live attenuated vaccine stimulates the immune system to recognize and protect against varicella-zoster virus by inducing both cellular and humoral immunity. Used for Prevention of varicella (chickenpox) in susceptible individuals, Post-exposure prophylaxis of varicella in non-immune individuals.

At a glance

Generic nameVaricella Virus Vaccine Live
Also known asVaricella vaccine, VARIVAX®, Varivax
SponsorSanofi Pasteur, a Sanofi Company
Drug classLive attenuated vaccine
TargetVaricella-zoster virus (VZV)
ModalityBiologic
Therapeutic areaImmunology / Infectious Disease
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

The vaccine contains a weakened (attenuated) form of varicella-zoster virus that replicates in the body at low levels, triggering T-cell and B-cell responses without causing severe disease. This immune priming allows the body to rapidly recognize and neutralize wild-type virus upon natural exposure, preventing chickenpox infection or reducing disease severity.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Varicella Virus Vaccine Live

What is Varicella Virus Vaccine Live?

Varicella Virus Vaccine Live is a Live attenuated vaccine drug developed by Sanofi Pasteur, a Sanofi Company, indicated for Prevention of varicella (chickenpox) in susceptible individuals, Post-exposure prophylaxis of varicella in non-immune individuals.

How does Varicella Virus Vaccine Live work?

This live attenuated vaccine stimulates the immune system to recognize and protect against varicella-zoster virus by inducing both cellular and humoral immunity.

What is Varicella Virus Vaccine Live used for?

Varicella Virus Vaccine Live is indicated for Prevention of varicella (chickenpox) in susceptible individuals, Post-exposure prophylaxis of varicella in non-immune individuals.

Who makes Varicella Virus Vaccine Live?

Varicella Virus Vaccine Live is developed and marketed by Sanofi Pasteur, a Sanofi Company (see full Sanofi Pasteur, a Sanofi Company pipeline at /company/sanofi).

Is Varicella Virus Vaccine Live also known as anything else?

Varicella Virus Vaccine Live is also known as Varicella vaccine, VARIVAX®, Varivax.

What drug class is Varicella Virus Vaccine Live in?

Varicella Virus Vaccine Live belongs to the Live attenuated vaccine class. See all Live attenuated vaccine drugs at /class/live-attenuated-vaccine.

What development phase is Varicella Virus Vaccine Live in?

Varicella Virus Vaccine Live is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Varicella Virus Vaccine Live?

Common side effects of Varicella Virus Vaccine Live include Injection site reactions (erythema, swelling, pain), Fever, Varicella-like rash (vaccine strain), Myalgia.

What does Varicella Virus Vaccine Live target?

Varicella Virus Vaccine Live targets Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and is a Live attenuated vaccine.

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