Vaccine (Live attenuated viral vaccine)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a vaccine (injection) that contains a weakened form of the chickenpox virus, which trains your body's immune system to fight off chickenpox without actually giving you the disease.
Stimulates cell-mediated and humoral immune responses by introducing attenuated varicella-zoster virus that replicates in vaccinated individuals, triggering CD8+ T-cell activation and production of specific antibodies against viral glycoproteins (gG, gE, and gI), thereby conferring protective immunity against wild-type VZV infection.
Prevention of chickenpox (that itchy rash with blisters that spreads easily), also known as varicella
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Is Varicella-zoster safe to take with another drug?
Check with multiple drugs →Explore this drug
If you or your child missed the second dose, go to the clinic as soon as you remember to get it. You do not need to restart; just get the second dose whenever you can, even if it has been a long time since the first one.
Only get this vaccine from a reputable hospital, clinic, or pharmacy with proper cold storage, never from roadside vendors or unregistered outlets. Make sure you complete both doses for full protection. Known in Nigeria as Varilrix Vaccine or Varirid Vaccine, confirm the product is not expired and was properly refrigerated before it is given to you.
If you are taking drugs that weaken your immune system (like steroids such as prednisolone, or cancer treatment drugs), tell your doctor because the vaccine may not work well or could be dangerous. Aspirin should be avoided in children for 6 weeks after vaccination. If you recently received a blood transfusion or immunoglobulin injection, wait at least 3 months before getting this vaccine.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Varicella-zoster with your other drugs?
This vaccine is NOT safe during pregnancy; women should avoid getting pregnant for at least 1 month after receiving the vaccine, and breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before taking it.
This vaccine must be stored in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) and protected from light. It cannot survive Nigerian heat, so never buy it from anywhere that does not have a proper cold chain or refrigerator. This is strictly handled by hospitals and clinics, so do not attempt to store it at home.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.