Varicella is a highly contagious disease with the potential to cause outbreaks and serious complications. Vaccination is the most effective measure for prevention.
Varicella vaccination for children Photo: Naviva Group
Currently available varicella vaccines worldwide contain one of two live attenuated virus strains: Oka or MAV/06.
The MAV/06 strain, developed in the Republic of Korea, has been used for over 30 years, with tens of millions of doses administered, demonstrating well-established safety and effectiveness.
From a scientific perspective, the MAV/06 and Oka strains are genetically similar and belong to the same clade of the varicella-zoster virus. Therefore, immunity induced by MAV/06-containing vaccines is capable of recognising and effectively neutralising different VZV strains, including the Oka strain [1]. The immune response elicited by MAV/06-based vaccines is comparable to that of Oka-based vaccines [2].
Real-world data further demonstrate the effectiveness of MAV/06-based vaccines in the Republic of Korea, where this strain is exclusively used in the National Immunization Program, showing outcomes equivalent to countries using Oka-based vaccines.
Notably, in children who receive the full two-dose schedule, including those who receive interchangeable doses between MAV/06 and Oka strains, no increased risk of disease or complications has been observed [3].
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised the comparable effectiveness of MAV/06 and Oka strains and allows interchangeability of varicella vaccines when necessary, particularly for booster doses. This provides greater flexibility in immunisation schedules [4].
Thus, MAV/06-containing varicella vaccines are not merely an alternative, but a scientifically and clinically equivalent option, contributing to sustained effectiveness in varicella prevention.
| BARYCELA Inj., a next-generation varicella vaccine developed by GC Biopharma from the MAV/06 strain, demonstrates immunogenicity and safety comparable to Oka-based vaccines and can be used within current two-dose immunisation schedules [10]. Recommended two-dose schedule for optimal immunity Children aged 12 months to 12 years: – Dose 1: from 12 months of age. – Dose 2: at least 3 months after Dose 1, or a booster dose at 4–6 years of age. In Viet Nam, NAVIVA GROUP is the authorised distributor of the second-generation MAV/06 varicella vaccine, marketed as BARYCELA inj. (GC Biopharma – Republic of Korea). With more than 21 years of experience in vaccines and medical biological products, NAVIVA GROUP collaborates with healthcare facilities to enhance access to safe, effective, and high-quality vaccines for the community. The company is committed to ensuring a stable supply and strict compliance with storage and distribution processes in accordance with GSP/GDP standards, while actively supporting initiatives to raise awareness of proactive and safe immunisation. 📞 Hotline: 0905 584 666 🌐 Website: www.naviva.com.vn 📧 Email: info@naviva.com.vn |
References
- Hwang JY, et al. Cross-reactive humoral immunity of clade 2 Oka and MAV/06 strain-based varicella vaccines against different clades of varicella-zoster virus. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2023 Dec 31;19(1):2210961.
- Choi UY, et al. Seropositivity of Varicella zoster virus in vaccinated Korean children and MAV vaccine group. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2016 Oct 2;12(10):2560–2564.
- Kang, H.M.; Kim, G.; Choe, Y.J. Safety of Interchanging the Live Attenuated MAV/06 Strain and OKA Strain Varicella Vaccines in Children. Vaccines. 2023;11:1442.
- WHO position paper on varicella vaccines – November 2025.
source: laodong.vn
