Varivax Availability by Location
Varivax is widely available internationally, but availability varies significantly by country and region—you must check with local health authorities, pharmacies, or vaccination centers in your specific location to confirm current availability.
Understanding Varivax Distribution
Varivax (manufactured by Merck & Co.) is the live-attenuated varicella vaccine using the Oka strain that was first licensed in the United States in March 1995 1. The vaccine has since been distributed globally, though not uniformly across all regions 1.
Regional Availability Patterns
United States
- Varivax has been continuously available since its FDA approval in 1995 and is the standard varicella vaccine used in routine childhood immunization programs 2
- Both monovalent Varivax and combination MMRV vaccine (ProQuad) are licensed and available 2
- The vaccine is widely stocked by healthcare providers, pharmacies, and vaccination clinics 2
International Markets
- By 1998, limited availability existed in select European countries and India 3
- By 2001, the vaccine had expanded to additional markets including Brazil and Hong Kong 3
- A second-generation formulation (Varivax II) with refrigerator-stable storage was launched in June 2000, improving distribution capabilities 1
Alternative Varicella Vaccines
If Varivax is not available in your location, Varilrix (GlaxoSmithKline) may be an acceptable alternative, as both vaccines contain the same Oka strain of varicella-zoster virus, though they differ in manufacturing passages 4. Varilrix has been available in various countries since the late 1990s 3.
How to Confirm Local Availability
To determine if Varivax is available in your specific location, you should:
- Contact your national or regional health ministry to inquire about approved varicella vaccines and national immunization programs 2
- Check with local pharmacies and vaccination centers that typically stock childhood vaccines 2
- Consult healthcare providers who administer routine immunizations 2
- Review your country's national immunization schedule to see if varicella vaccination is included 5
Important Storage Considerations
If Varivax is available in your area, providers must have appropriate storage capacity, as the vaccine requires freezer storage at ≤5°F (≤-15°C) until reconstitution 2. Providers without proper freezer storage should not stock the vaccine 2.
Regional Vaccination Trends
Many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have introduced universal varicella vaccination programs in recent years, leading to increased vaccine availability in those regions 5. However, substantial portions of the world still lack routine varicella vaccination programs, which affects vaccine availability and distribution 5.