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Medicines varicella-zoster virusQuestion & answer

varicella-zoster virus · Medicine question

Is Varilrix a live vaccine?

iatroX medicinesPublished 22 August 2026Reviewed 22 August 2026

The answer

Answer

Yes. It contains a weakened live Oka strain of varicella virus.

Sources for this answer

Varilrixemc · SmPC Current selected SmPC · Version 28

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The full medicine guide

varicella-zoster virus

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Read the varicella-zoster virus guide

More questions about varicella-zoster virus

What are these vaccines used for?Is Shingrix a live vaccine?Can vaccination treat shingles that has already started?Can vaccination be given during pregnancy?Can immunosuppressed people receive these vaccines?Why are Shingrix and Varilrix not interchangeable?

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