Ingredients in Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccines
This page shows the ingredients in varicella (chickenpox) vaccines currently available for use in the U.S.
Find out more about varicella and the vaccines that protect against it.
Vaccine name* | Antigen | Adjuvant | Stabilizers | Preservatives | Residual byproducts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Varivax (Frozen) | Live, weakened varicella virus | None | Sucrose, Hydrolyzed gelatin, Sodium chloride, Monosodium L-glutamate, Sodium phosphate dibasic, Potassium phosphate monobasic, Potassium chloride | None | Proteins and DNA from cells used to grow virus (MRC-5 human cells), Sodium phosphate monobasic, EDTA, Neomycin, Fetal bovine serum |
Varivax (Refrigerated) | Live, weakened varicella virus | None | Sucrose, Hydrolyzed gelatin, Urea, Sodium chloride, Monosodium L-glutamate, Sodium phosphate dibasic, Potassium phosphate monobasic, Potassium chloride | None | Proteins and DNA from cells used to grow virus (MRC-5 human cells), Neomycin, Bovine calf serum |
*Information from package insert dated: 8/2023 (Varivax (Frozen), Varivax (Refrigerated))
Reviewed by Paul A. Offit, MD, on October 7, 2024