What varicella vaccines are available in the United States?

Two vaccines containing varicella virus are licensed for use in the United States. Both vaccines contain live, attenuated varicella zoster virus (VZV) derived from the Oka strain.

• Varivax (VAR, Merck) contains only varicella vaccine virus.
• ProQuad (MMRV, Merck) is a combination measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine

Both vaccines may be administered either by subcutaneous injection or intramuscular injection. VAR is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people 12 months of age and older. MMRV is approved for people 12 months through 12 years of age. MMRV should not be administered to people age 13 years or older.