Rx
🏭 MSD
❄️ Cold Chain
🧬 Live Attenuated
🧬 Oka/Merck Strain
💉 2-Dose Schedule
VARIPED · MSD · 1 Dose Vial + Diluent · Subcutaneous Injection
Pack Details · Store at 2–8°C · Protect from Light
👥 Who Should Get VARIPED?
Children (9–12 Months and Older)
Chickenpox spreads rapidly among children and can cause complications like skin infections and pneumonia. IAP recommends 2 doses — first around 15 months, second at 4–6 years.
Adolescents and Adults (Susceptible)
Anyone above 13 years with no history of chickenpox or prior vaccination should receive 2 doses, 4–8 weeks apart. Adults tend to have more severe disease than children.
Women Planning Pregnancy
Chickenpox during pregnancy can harm the baby. Susceptible women should complete vaccination at least 1 month before conception. Not to be given during pregnancy itself.
Healthcare Workers & Caregivers
Staff without prior immunity working around patients, newborns or immunocompromised individuals should be vaccinated to prevent transmission.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
A single dose given within 72–120 hours of exposure to a chickenpox case can prevent or significantly reduce disease severity in susceptible contacts.
🔬 VARIPED Composition – Per 0.5 mL Reconstituted Dose
Each single-dose vial, after reconstitution with the supplied 0.5 mL diluent, typically contains:
| Component | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACTIVE INGREDIENT | ||
| Live Attenuated Varicella-Zoster Virus (Oka/Merck Strain) | Not less than 1000 PFU | Freeze-dried powder, reconstituted before injection |
| EXCIPIENTS / STABILISERS | ||
| Sucrose, Hydrolyzed Gelatin & Amino Acids | Stabiliser | Standard stabiliser system for the Oka/Merck strain formulation |
| Neomycin (trace residual) | Trace | From cell-culture manufacturing process |
| Sterile Water for Injection | 0.5 mL | Diluent supplied in a prefilled syringe |
ℹ️ Storage: Store the freeze-dried vial and diluent at 2–8°C. Do NOT freeze. Protect from light. Use immediately after reconstitution.
📅 VARIPED Vaccination Schedule
| Age Group | Number of Doses | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children 9–12 months to 12 years | 2 Doses | 1st dose ~15 months; 2nd dose at 4–6 years | Minimum gap of 3 months between doses if under 13 years |
| Adolescents & Adults (13 years+) | 2 Doses | 4–8 weeks apart | Required for anyone without confirmed immunity |
| Post-Exposure Prophylaxis | 1 Dose | Within 72–120 hours of exposure | May prevent or reduce severity of disease |
| Women Planning Pregnancy | 2 Doses | Complete course ≥1 month before conception | Contraindicated during pregnancy itself |
ℹ️ Route: VARIPED is given as a 0.5 mL subcutaneous (SC) injection, usually in the upper arm (deltoid) or outer thigh in infants — NOT intramuscular.
⚙️ How Does VARIPED Work?
1
Live Attenuated Virus Injected Subcutaneously
0.5 mL of reconstituted VARIPED is injected under the skin. The weakened (attenuated) Oka-strain Varicella-Zoster virus replicates locally at very low levels — enough to trigger immunity but not enough to cause chickenpox disease in healthy individuals.
2
Immune Recognition
Antigen-presenting cells detect the viral proteins and present them to T-helper cells, initiating both humoral (antibody) and cell-mediated immune responses specific to VZV.
3
Antibody & Memory Cell Formation
The body produces VZV-specific antibodies and long-lived memory T and B cells over 2–6 weeks, with protection reinforced further by the second dose.
4
Long-Term Protection
Two doses provide strong protection against chickenpox and against severe disease. Breakthrough cases, if they occur, are typically much milder with fewer lesions.
⚠️ VARIPED Side Effects
VARIPED has a well-established safety profile similar to other Oka-strain varicella vaccines. Most reactions are mild and resolve within a few days.
🟡 Common (Mild, 1–3 Days)
- 💉 Injection-site pain, redness or swelling
- 🌡️ Mild fever (below 38.5°C)
- 😴 Fatigue or irritability (in infants)
- 🤕 Headache
- 🔴 Mild rash (few chickenpox-like spots) at the injection site
- 🟣 Generalised mild varicella-like rash 5–26 days post-dose (uncommon)
🔴 Rare — Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- 🚨 Allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling, breathing difficulty)
- 🌡️ High fever above 39.4°C
- 🦠 Vaccine-virus transmission to close contacts (very rare, mainly if a rash develops)
- 🚨 Anaphylaxis (extremely rare)
📊 VARIPED vs Other Varicella Vaccines
| Feature | VARIPED (MSD) | Varilrix (GSK) | NEXIPOX PLUS (Novo Scier) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virus Strain | ✓ Live Attenuated Oka/Merck Strain | Live Attenuated Oka Strain | Live Attenuated Oka Strain |
| Stabiliser Technology | Sucrose & Hydrolyzed Gelatin | Manufacturer-specific stabiliser | 2X Trehalose Protection (Gelatin-Free) |
| Diluent Presentation | Supplied Diluent | Ampoule/vial diluent | Prefilled Syringe Diluent |
| Free Injection Accessories | As per pack | As per pack | Free BD Syringe + 2 Needles |
| Dose Schedule | 2 Doses | 2 Doses | 2 Doses |
| Route of Administration | Subcutaneous | Subcutaneous | Subcutaneous |
| Cold Chain Storage | 2–8°C | 2–8°C | 2–8°C |
All DCGI-approved varicella vaccines available in India use the same live attenuated Oka strain and offer comparable protection. VARIPED uses MSD's well-established Oka/Merck strain with a long global safety record. Call us to discuss the best option for your family.
🚫 Precautions and Contraindications
Do NOT give VARIPED if:
- Currently pregnant, or planning pregnancy within 1 month of vaccination
- Known immunodeficiency — HIV/AIDS with low CD4 count, leukaemia, lymphoma, or on immunosuppressive therapy (high-dose steroids, chemotherapy, biologics)
- Active untreated tuberculosis
- Known allergy to neomycin or any vaccine component
- Moderate to severe acute febrile illness — defer vaccination until recovery (mild illness without fever is NOT a contraindication)
- Received blood products, immunoglobulin or plasma within the preceding 3–11 months — defer as advised by physician
Use with Caution — Consult Doctor First:
- Breastfeeding mothers — generally considered compatible, but discuss with your doctor
- Avoid aspirin/salicylate use for 6 weeks after vaccination in children, as a precaution
- Avoid close contact with pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals if a rash develops after vaccination
ℹ️ As a live vaccine, VARIPED should generally be separated from other live vaccines (like MMR) by at least 4 weeks if not given on the same day. Always share your complete medical history with the vaccinating nurse or doctor.
🏥 Why Book VARIPED with VacciHub?
Certified Nursing Staff
Trained, certified nurses experienced in administering live vaccines correctly via the subcutaneous route, for all age groups from infants to adults.
End-to-End Cold Chain
VARIPED transported in validated cold boxes at 2–8°C from procurement to injection. Never frozen. Full cold chain compliance on every home visit.
Genuine MSD VARIPED
Sourced exclusively from authorised distributors. Batch number and expiry date shared on your WhatsApp receipt after vaccination.
Dose Tracking & Reminders
We track your first and second dose schedule and send timely reminders so your complete 2-dose course is finished on time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – VARIPED
VARIPED is a Live Attenuated Varicella Vaccine manufactured by MSD. It protects against chickenpox (Varicella), caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), using a weakened form of the Oka vaccine strain.
VARIPED MRP is ₹2,600 per dose. VacciHub offers it at ₹2,548 per dose (2% OFF). The nurse home visit fee depends on your pincode area. Call +91 92050 04114 or WhatsApp us for the exact quote.
A complete course requires 2 doses. For children, the first dose is usually given around 15 months and the second at 4–6 years. For adolescents and adults (13 years and above), the 2 doses are given 4–8 weeks apart.
Yes. Any adolescent or adult who has never had chickenpox and has not been vaccinated before should receive 2 doses, 4–8 weeks apart. Adults often experience more severe chickenpox than children, making vaccination especially important.
Most people experience only mild reactions such as injection-site pain, redness, mild fever or fatigue for 1–3 days. A mild chickenpox-like rash near the injection site is uncommon but can occur. Serious reactions are rare.
VARIPED should not be given during pregnancy. Women planning pregnancy should complete both doses at least 1 month before conception. Breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor, though it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Yes. A single dose given within 72–120 hours of exposure to a chickenpox case may prevent infection or significantly reduce the severity of disease in susceptible individuals.
VARIPED is manufactured by MSD using the well-established Oka/Merck strain, backed by decades of global clinical use and a strong safety record for both children and adults.
Yes. VacciHub provides certified nurse home vaccination services for VARIPED across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad. Call +91 92050 04114 or check availability by entering your PIN code below.