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Ingredients in Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccines

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*AntigenAdjuvantStabilizersPreservativesResidual byproducts
Varivax (Frozen)
 
Live, weakened varicella virusNoneSucrose, Hydrolyzed gelatin, Sodium chloride, Monosodium L-glutamate, Sodium phosphate dibasic, Potassium phosphate monobasic, Potassium chlorideNoneProteins 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 virusNoneSucrose, Hydrolyzed gelatin, Urea, Sodium chloride, Monosodium L-glutamate, Sodium phosphate dibasic, Potassium phosphate monobasic, Potassium chlorideNoneProteins 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

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