VARICELLA VACCINE, LIVE
LIVE ATTENUATED VARICELLA-HERPES ZOSTER VIRUS (LIVE ATTENUATED VZV)
What it does
Attenuated refers to a weakened form of a virus or bacteria used in vaccines to help the body build immunity.
Commonly used for: prevention of infectious diseases through vaccination
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:42:08 · updated 2026-09-25 02:22:56
Drug Interactions
5Unknown (5)
Live - decreases efficacy
Aciclovir is predicted to decrease the efficacy of live vaccines (herpes-zoster vaccine, live).
Live - affects response
COVID-19vaccinemightaffecttheresponsetolivevaccines (herpes-zostervaccine,live).UKHSAadvisesseparating administrationby7days.oTheoretical Cranberry
Live - decreases efficacy
Famciclovir is predicted to decrease the efficacy of live vaccines (herpes-zoster vaccine, live). Theoretical Famotidine → see H2 receptor antagonists Fampridine
Live - decreases efficacy
Normal immunoglobulin is predicted to decrease the efficacy of live vaccines (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine, herpes-zoster vaccine, live, influenza vaccine (live), measles, mumps and rubella vaccin
Live - decreases efficacy
Valacicloviris predicted to decrease the efficacy of live vaccines (herpes-zoster vaccine, live).
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact
About attenuated
Attenuated refers to a weakened form of a virus or bacteria used in vaccines to help the body build immunity.
What it treats
- prevention of infectious diseases through vaccination
How it works
Attenuated vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight off the actual disease by using a weakened version of the germ.
Who it's for
People of various ages, depending on the specific vaccine, to help prevent certain infections.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About live
Live vaccines help your body build protection against certain diseases using weakened forms of the virus or bacteria.
What it treats
- measles
- mumps
- rubella
- chickenpox
- yellow fever
How it works
Live vaccines stimulate your immune system to recognize and fight off infections by using a weakened version of the germ that causes the disease.
Who it's for
Live vaccines are typically given to children and adults to protect against specific infectious diseases.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About virus
Viruses are microscopic organisms that can cause infections in humans, animals, and plants.
What it treats
- viral infections
- common cold
- influenza (flu)
- HIV/AIDS
- hepatitis
How it works
Viruses invade living cells and use them to reproduce, which can lead to illness.
Who it's for
Viruses can affect anyone, but some groups, like those with weakened immune systems, are more at risk.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About zoster
Zoster is a vaccine used to help protect against shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
What it treats
- shingles (herpes zoster)
How it works
The vaccine stimulates the immune system to help prevent shingles and its complications.
Who it's for
It is recommended for older adults and those at higher risk of developing shingles.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: attenuated
Attenuated vaccines contain live microorganisms that have been weakened (attenuated) so that they cannot cause disease in healthy individuals. These vaccines are designed to stimulate a robust immune response, leading to long-lasting immunity without causing the illness associated with the pathogen.
Indications
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Yellow fever
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Rotavirus
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific vaccine guidelines for paediatric dosing.
Adults: Refer to specific vaccine guidelines for adult dosing.
Mechanism of action
Attenuated vaccines work by mimicking a natural infection. The weakened pathogen replicates in the body, stimulating the immune system to produce a response against it, which includes the activation of T-cells and the production of antibodies. This prepares the immune system to recognize and fight off the pathogen if exposed in the future.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of attenuated vaccines involve the interaction of the attenuated pathogen with the host's immune system. Upon administration, the vaccine induces both humoral (antibody-mediated) and cell-mediated immunity. This leads to the development of memory cells that ensure a faster and more effective response upon subsequent exposure to the actual pathogen.
Pharmacokinetics
Attenuated vaccines are generally administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. The pharmacokinetics are characterized by the distribution of the vaccine components within the body, with the attenuated organisms replicating locally and inducing an immune response. The onset of immunity typically occurs within weeks, and the duration of immunity can vary depending on the specific vaccine.
Contra-indications
- Severe immunodeficiency
- Pregnant women (specific live attenuated vaccines)
- Severe allergic reactions to vaccine components
Adverse effects
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
- Low-grade fever
- Malaise
- Rash
- Rare neurological complications (e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome)
Interactions
- Immunosuppressive agents (may reduce vaccine efficacy)
- Blood products (may interfere with immune response to vaccine)
- Other live vaccines (timing may affect immune response)
Precautions
- History of allergic reactions to previous vaccinations
- Presence of active infections
- Chronic illnesses that may affect immune response
Pregnancy
Live attenuated vaccines are generally contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Most live attenuated vaccines are considered safe during breastfeeding, but caution and consultation with a healthcare provider are advised.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator at 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Formulations
- Injectable suspension
- Oral suspension
- Lyophilized powder for reconstitution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: live
Live vaccines contain live attenuated forms of pathogens that are used to stimulate an immune response without causing the disease in healthy individuals. They are effective in preventing various infectious diseases by inducing long-lasting immunity. However, live vaccines are contraindicated in immunocompromised patients due to the risk of severe infections.
Indications
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Yellow fever
- Rotavirus
- Intranasal influenza
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing information based on age and vaccine type.
Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines for dosing information, as it can vary by vaccine type and brand.
Mechanism of action
Live vaccines work by introducing a weakened or attenuated form of a pathogen into the body. This stimulates the immune system to recognize and respond to the pathogen, leading to the production of antibodies and memory cells that provide long-term protection against future infections by the same pathogen.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of live vaccines involve the activation of both humoral and cellular immunity. Following vaccination, the immune system generates a robust response, including the production of specific antibodies and the activation of T cells that can recognize and eliminate infected cells. This dual action helps establish long-term immunity.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of live vaccines vary depending on the specific vaccine. Generally, the vaccine is administered via injection, allowing the live attenuated organisms to enter the bloodstream. The immune response typically begins within days and can last for years, depending on the vaccine. Live vaccines are usually stored under refrigeration to maintain their viability, and they should be administered within their expiration dates.
Interactions
- livevaccines + abrocitinib: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
- livevaccines + baricitinib: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
- livevaccines + filgotinib: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
- livevaccines + dexrazoxane: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
- livevaccines + iron chelators: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
- livevaccines + ozanimod: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
- livevaccines + ponesimod: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
- livevaccines + siponimod: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
- livevaccines + upadacitinib: Severe (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
- livevaccines + diroximelfumarate: Moderate (increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening))
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: virus
Viruses are submicroscopic infectious agents that replicate only inside the living cells of an organism. They are composed of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat and, in some cases, an outer lipid envelope. Viruses can infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria (bacteriophages). They are responsible for a wide range of diseases, from the common cold to serious conditions such as HIV/AIDS, influenza, and COVID-19.
Indications
- Influenza
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B and C
- Herpes simplex virus infections
- Cytomegalovirus infections
- COVID-19
- Respiratory syncytial virus infections
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific antiviral agents for dosing guidance.
Adults: Refer to specific antiviral agents for dosing guidance.
Mechanism of action
Viruses infect host cells by attaching to specific receptors on the cell surface. Once inside, they hijack the host cell's machinery to replicate their genetic material and produce viral proteins. New viral particles are assembled and released from the host cell, often destroying the cell in the process. The specific mechanism can vary depending on the virus type, including integration into the host genome in retroviruses or utilizing specific pathways for replication.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of antiviral agents depend on the specific virus and the mechanism of action. Antiviral drugs may inhibit viral entry into host cells, block viral replication, or prevent the assembly of new virions. The effectiveness of antiviral therapy often relates to the stage of viral replication and the immune response of the host.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics of antiviral drugs varies widely based on the specific medication used. Generally, antiviral agents are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. They may undergo hepatic metabolism and are often excreted through the kidneys. The half-life of these drugs can range from a few hours to several days, influencing dosing schedules.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: zoster
Zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which leads to a painful rash and blisters. It typically occurs in individuals who have previously had chickenpox, as the virus remains dormant in the nervous system. Zoster can lead to complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, which is characterized by persistent pain following the resolution of the rash.
Indications
- Zoster (shingles)
- Postherpetic neuralgia
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific paediatric dosing information.
Adults: Refer to clinical guidelines and the BNF for specific dosing recommendations.
Mechanism of action
The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) primarily affects neurons and skin cells. Upon reactivation, the virus travels down sensory nerves to the skin, where it causes inflammation and vesicular lesions. Antiviral medications can inhibit viral replication and reduce the severity and duration of symptoms by targeting the viral DNA polymerase, disrupting the viral life cycle.
Pharmacodynamics
Antiviral agents used in the treatment of zoster, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, exhibit activity against VZV by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis. These drugs are phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase, leading to the formation of a triphosphate that competes with deoxyguanosine triphosphate, ultimately resulting in the termination of viral DNA chain elongation.
Pharmacokinetics
Acyclovir, for example, is absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations typically reached within 1-2 hours. The bioavailability is approximately 15-30%. It is widely distributed throughout body tissues and fluids, including the central nervous system, and is primarily eliminated by the kidneys via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. The half-life of acyclovir is about 2.5 to 3 hours in individuals with normal renal function.
Adverse effects
- Injection site reactions
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Myalgia
- Nausea
Precautions
- Use with caution in immunocompromised patients
- Monitor for potential allergic reactions
Pregnancy
Zoster vaccines are generally not recommended during pregnancy due to insufficient data on safety.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether zoster vaccine is excreted in human milk. Caution is advised.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator at 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Formulations
- Live attenuated zoster vaccine
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
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