What vaccines are used to prevent chickenpox?

The incidence of chickenpox is rapidly increasing in Russia. According to Rospotrebnadzor, since the beginning of 2025, cases of chickenpox have been registered in almost all regions. The main reason, according to experts, is the lack of vaccines, since they are not produced in the Russian Federation, and the development of a domestic drug has just begun. What is the danger of the disease and which chickenpox vaccines are used today — in the Izvestia article.

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox, or chickenpox, is an acute viral disease caused by the Varicella Zoster virus, which belongs to the third type of herpes. Infection occurs by airborne droplets. In childhood, chickenpox often occurs in the form of outbreaks, especially in schools and kindergartens, where children can easily become infected from each other.

The disease is usually manifested by characteristic skin rashes, which are accompanied by itching, as well as general malaise and fever. The patient becomes contagious 1-2 days before the appearance of the rash and remains so for up to 5 days after the appearance of the last "bubbles". The incubation period lasts about three weeks. Although chickenpox usually does not cause complications in children, in rare cases the disease can occur in a more severe form.

After the introduction of vaccinations, stable immunity is formed. However, the virus remains in the body for life. After an illness, it can reappear years later, for example, in the form of shingles.

Rash problems: the incidence of chickenpox is rapidly increasing in Russia

But a domestic vaccine is unlikely to appear before 2027.

What are chickenpox vaccines?

To reduce the risk of infection and the development of the disease, vaccination is recommended, especially for children starting from the age of one. Currently, two main drugs are used in Russia for the prevention of chickenpox — Varilrix and Okavax. Both of them are live vaccines and contain weakened strains of the Varicella Zoster virus.

• Varilrix is a Belgian vaccine used to prevent chickenpox in children from 9 months of age and adults. Despite its high efficacy, the vaccine can cause side effects, such as allergies to the components of the drug.
  
• Okavax is a Japanese drug that is also used for vaccination against chickenpox. After vaccination, 90% of those vaccinated have stable immunity. This vaccine, like Varilrix, is used in conditions of epidemics and for emergency prevention of the disease.

Both vaccines contain the live causative agent of chickenpox, are well tolerated, and have positive reviews. There is also a foreign combination vaccine "Priorix Tetra", which protects against several diseases at once: measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

However, due to problems with the supply of foreign vaccines, there is a shortage of drugs in some regions of Russia. According to media reports, after the reduction of the presence of foreign manufacturers in the Russian market, vaccines have become difficult to access even in private clinics.

At the same time, Roszdravnadzor assured on October 13 that drugs for the prevention of chickenpox are being steadily introduced into civil circulation. They added that chickenpox vaccination is not included in the national calendar of preventive vaccinations, but is included in the calendar for epidemiological reasons, and the decision on its implementation is made by the regions.

How does chickenpox vaccination work?

The process of vaccination against chickenpox begins with a mandatory examination by a doctor. The specialist checks the patient's health status, measures the temperature and collects information about past illnesses and allergic reactions. Additional tests may be prescribed if necessary. In private medical centers, vaccination is carried out on the basis of a referral from a doctor, and in case of his absence — after examination by a specialist.

The injection is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, in the shoulder or hip area. After the procedure, it is recommended to follow a gentle regime: avoid intense physical exertion and refrain from visiting the sauna or steam room in the first days. The injection site should not be wetted in the first few hours after vaccination.

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The peak of infections will shift to the winter months, experts say.

When will the Russian chickenpox vaccine be available?

Currently, Russia is actively developing its own chickenpox vaccine, which is planned to be produced in 2026-2027. The drug is created thanks to the cooperation of the Russian company Nanolek and the South Korean GC Biopharma. It is expected that the new vaccine will be available for children from 9 months to 17 years old.

Registration of a domestic drug will take several years, as it is necessary to complete all stages of clinical trials and research. This step will help reduce Russia's dependence on foreign supplies of vaccines and ensure the availability of the drug in the country.

Earlier, Izvestia wrote that the number of infections with the Coxsackie virus has increased in Russia.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.