VARILRIX
Varicella-zoster virus, live attenuated (Oka strain)
0.5 mL · powder for solution · subcutaneous · 12 months and older
Varicella
Varicella (chickenpox)
VARILRIX · VARIVAX III
Two doses. Every product below is a Health Canada authorized vaccine; every schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
- Products
- 2
- Dose schedules
- 2
- Guidance checked
- 2026-09-27
Authorized products
Brand names and DINs (Drug Identification Numbers) as Health Canada's Drug Product Database lists them. The product monograph is the manufacturer's full prescribing information approved by Health Canada.
VARIVAX III
Varicella virus, live attenuated (Oka/Merck strain)
0.5 mL · powder for solution · subcutaneous or intramuscular · 12 months and older
Before and after vaccination
- Bring your immunization record so earlier doses can be checked.
- Discuss a serious reaction to a previous vaccine, relevant health conditions, medicines and allergies before receiving a dose.
- After vaccination, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes and report feeling faint or signs of an allergic reaction right away.
- Keep the vaccine name, date and dose in your immunization record.
Based on the Canadian Immunization Guide's administration practices and acute reactions guidance.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Contraindicated: a live vaccine. Avoid pregnancy for 4 weeks after a dose. A dose given before pregnancy was known is not grounds for termination.
Breastfeeding
Recommended if not immune.
Source: Immunization in pregnancy and breastfeeding: Canadian Immunization Guide — Chapter updated August 2026. Live vaccines are generally contraindicated in pregnancy; routinely recommended vaccines can be given while breastfeeding unless the chapter says otherwise.
How many doses
The schedules the Canadian Immunization Guide describes for this vaccine. Which one applies depends on age, health and product — use the dose planner to see the dates for your situation.
Chickenpox — children, two doses (12 months to 12 years)
2 dosesTwo doses, 3 months apart (minimum 4 weeks).
Children 12 months to 12 years without evidence of immunity: first dose at 12 to 15 months, second at 18 months or later but before school entry. Recommended interval 3 months; minimum 4 weeks when rapid protection is needed.
ProductsVARILRIXVARIVAX III
Chickenpox — 13 years and older, two doses
2 dosesTwo doses 6 weeks apart (minimum 4 weeks) for people without immunity.
Adolescents and adults without a history of chickenpox, laboratory evidence of immunity or prior immunization: two doses, recommended 6 weeks apart, minimum 4 weeks. Avoid pregnancy for 1 month after each dose.
ProductsVARILRIXVARIVAX III
References and product information
- Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide — Chapter revised September 2016 · partial update July 2026
- Vaccine administration practices: Canadian Immunization Guide
- Anaphylaxis and other acute reactions: Canadian Immunization Guide
- Health Canada Drug Product Database — product records and monographs
- Pharmasist vaccine reference: VARILRIX
- Pharmasist vaccine reference: VARIVAX III
Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27. General information from public Canadian guidance; a personal assessment is needed for treatment decisions. Care365 does not decide whether a vaccine is publicly funded in Ontario.