What is the Chicken Pox Vaccine Abbreviation?

Chickenpox also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It results in an itchy blister-like rash that appears first on the chest, back, and face, then spreads over the entire body. Before routine vaccination, chickenpox was a common childhood illness worldwide, infecting about 90% of unvaccinated children before age 15. While usually benign, complications can occur and the disease can be more severe in adolescents and adults. Thankfully, there is a vaccine available that provides long-lasting protection. But what exactly is the chicken pox vaccine abbreviation?

A Brief History of the Chicken Pox Vaccine

In the early 1970s, Japanese researcher Michiaki Takahashi tried to make a chickenpox vaccine by growing live but weak varicella virus from the vesicular fluid of a child who had the disease. This formed the basis of the varicella vaccine. In the 1970s and 1980s, clinical trials proved that the vaccine was safe and effective. Before 1995, the varicella vaccine could only be used in children 12 months and older, teens, and adults in the United States.

The vaccine was originally known as VAR for “varicella” However, in 1996 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed the abbreviation to VZV to more accurately reflect that the vaccine protects against infection from the varicella-zoster virus

VZV – The Current Chicken Pox Vaccine Abbreviation

So VZV is the abbreviation used today for the chicken pox vaccine Specifically

• VZV stands for varicella-zoster virus.

• It is given as a live attenuated viral vaccine, which means that it has weaker versions of live VZV in it.

• The VZV vaccine is commonly known by its brand name Varivax.

• It is given as an injection, typically in the arm muscle.

• Two doses are recommended, with the first at 12-15 months old and the second at 4-6 years old.

At this point, VZV is the standard abbreviation used on immunization records, vaccine records, and medical paperwork. CPV, which stands for “chicken pox vaccine,” and VAR, which stands for “old name,” are no longer used.

How Effective is the VZV Vaccine?

Many tests in hospitals and years of use in real life have shown that the VZV vaccine is very safe and works well. The number of cases of chickenpox has dropped dramatically since it was first used.

Some key stats on the VZV vaccine’s effectiveness:

• Over 90% effective at preventing any form of varicella infection after 2 doses.

• 100% effective at preventing severe disease with complications.

• Single-dose effectiveness around 80-85%, supporting the addition of the 2-dose schedule.

• Persists for at least 20 years after vaccination, possibly lifelong.

• Helped reduce annual varicella cases in the U.S. by over 90% in just 10 years post-vaccine introduction.

Why is the VZV Vaccine Important?

While it may seem like just a common childhood illness, there are important reasons every child should receive the 2-dose VZV vaccine series:

• Prevents future shingles: VZV remains dormant in the body after chickenpox clears and can reactivate decades later as shingles, a painful rash. The vaccine reduces this risk.

• Protects vulnerable groups: Chickenpox can be life-threatening in newborns, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Widespread vaccination creates herd immunity to shield those who cannot be vaccinated.

• Avoids severe complications: Though not common, chickenpox can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, toxic shock syndrome, flesh-eating bacteria infections, and even death. The vaccine prevents these risks.

• Reduces burden on healthcare: Before vaccination, there were over 10,000 hospitalizations from chickenpox annually. Widespread VZV vaccination has nearly eliminated this burden.

• Allows kids to avoid missing school/activities: Prior to the vaccine, kids missed on average 5-6 days of school due to chickenpox illness. Vaccination prevents these absences.

Is the VZV Vaccine Safe?

Yes, the VZV vaccine has a long-proven excellent safety record. Over 100 million doses have been given in the United States alone since 1995. The most common side effects are mild, like soreness at the injection site, fever, and rash around the injection site.

Serious side effects are very rare. When they do occur, they almost always affect those with compromised immune systems. There are no links between VZV vaccination and long-term health conditions.

The benefits of chickenpox prevention through safe VZV vaccination far outweigh any small risks. All healthy children and adults should receive the vaccine according to CDC guidelines.

Can You Get the VZV Vaccine as an Adult?

Absolutely! While the VZV vaccine is routinely given during childhood, it is also recommended for unvaccinated teens and adults. Those over 13 receive two doses spaced 4-8 weeks apart.

Adult VZV vaccination is particularly important for:

• People in close contact with high-risk groups like newborns and pregnant women. Vaccination prevents spread.

• Healthcare/childcare workers. Prevents them from exposing vulnerable patients.

• College students living in close quarters. Outbreaks still occur.

• International travelers. Chickenpox prevalence is still high in many countries.

• Women planning pregnancy. Should be vaccinated at least 1 month before pregnancy.

• Immune compromised individuals. While the vaccine may be less effective, it still provides some protection.

Talk to your healthcare provider to stay up to date on recommended adult vaccinations, including VZV. It’s never too late to gain protection against preventable viral diseases like chickenpox.

VZV Vaccination Guidelines Summary

To recap the current CDC chicken pox/VZV vaccination guidelines:

• First dose at 12-15 months old.

• Second dose at 4-6 years old.

• Two doses 4-8 weeks apart for teens and adults.

• Indicated for all healthy individuals with no medical contraindications.

• Special accelerated schedule for outbreak control.

• Notify your doctor if you have never had chickenpox or VZV vaccination. Catch-up vaccination is recommended.

• Remain vigilant about staying up to date on any missed childhood vaccines like VZV. Immunity gaps still exist.

The Takeaway

VZV is the standard abbreviation used for the highly effective varicella/chicken pox vaccine. Widespread childhood vaccination with the safe VZV vaccine has drastically reduced the burden of this formerly common viral disease in countries worldwide. Sticking to the recommended 2-dose schedule is key for long-lasting immunity. Teens, adults, travelers, and those in high-risk settings should also consider getting up to date on their VZV vaccination. Although chickenpox itself often causes only mild symptoms, the proven prevention and additional benefits offered by the VZV vaccine make it an essential component of a complete immunization record.