Varivax
This is one of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccines
Ingredients:
Active ingredients:
Live, attenuated varicella virus, which is a weakened version of the virus that causes chickenpox
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Note: this vaccine uses MRC-5 cells to grow the active ingredients in the vaccine. These cells are considered safe. This vaccine may contain traces of proteins from MRC-5 cells.
Inactive ingredients:
Amounts are based on a 0.5 mL dose
Salts: help maintain the stability and pH of the vaccine
Carbohydrates (sugars): normally used as stabilizers in vaccines
Other Stabilizers:
*Some religions such as Islam and Judaism prohibit the consumption of porcine (pork) products. However, according to Jewish law, this does not extend to vaccines because it is not oral consumption. In addition, in Islam, the use of porcine gelatin in vaccines is permitted if lives are at risk and there are no alternatives.
Relevant Terms
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Attenuated: The pathogen is weakened but not completely inactivated
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Carbohydrates: Another name for sugars
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MRC-5 cells: This is a human cell line that is used to help grow active ingredients for vaccines.
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pH: This is a measure of how acidic or basic a solution is. The scale ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic). A pH of 7 is neutral.
Sources
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Package insert: https://www.fda.gov/media/76000/download
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General:
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MRC-5 Cells
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Sodium chloride: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sodium-salt-and-you
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MSG: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-and-answers-monosodium-glutamate-msg
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Sodium Phosphate:
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Potassium phosphate:
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Potassium chloride:
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Sugar:
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Gelatin:
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Urea: https://inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v32je16.htm
Last updated: Feb. 17, 2023