Varicella-zoster virus (live attenuated) (VZV (live attenuated))

The Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) live attenuated vaccine is a preparation of weakened VZV used to induce active immunity. It replicates within the host to stimulate the immune system, leading to the production of antibodies and cell-mediated immunity against VZV. This provides protection against chickenpox during primary infection and reduces the risk of shingles upon reactivation of the latent virus. The attenuation process involves serial passage through cell cultures, reducing its virulence while retaining its immunogenicity. The vaccine strain enters the body, replicates to a limited extent, and stimulates the immune system, primarily through antibody production and T cell activation.

Other names

Chickenpox vaccineShingles vaccineVaricella vaccineHHV-3 (live attenuated)

Stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and cellular immunity against varicella-zoster virus, providing protection against primary infection (chickenpox) and reactivation (shingles).