Live-attenuated Oka strain vaccines for chickenpox prevention
This page catalogs 2 standalone varicella vaccine products based on Michiaki Takahashi's Oka strain, first developed in 1974. The Oka strain also serves as the foundation for the zoster vaccines Zostavax and Shingrix. Current US childhood immunization includes varicella either as standalone Varivax or as part of the combination MMRV vaccine ProQuad.
Last updated: April 2026.
| Trade Name | Generic Designation | Manufacturer | Vaccine Type | Regulatory Status & Year | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varivax | Varicella virus vaccine, live | Merck | Live-attenuated (VZV Oka) | FDA Licensed, 1995 | 2-dose series; US childhood schedule |
| Varilrix | Varicella virus vaccine, live | GSK | Live-attenuated (VZV Oka) | Licensed (non-US) | GSK varicella; widely used globally |
Regulatory data sourced from FDA CBER Vaccines Licensed for Use in the United States (March 2026) and EMA Medicines database. Catalog scope informed by Khan, Shaz, The Ultimate Vaccine Timeline.