{"id":3407,"date":"2026-10-15T09:29:48","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T02:29:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/?p=3407"},"modified":"2026-10-15T09:37:52","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T02:37:52","slug":"antibiotic-allergy-risks-in-children-and-barycela-an-advance-in-antibiotic-free-varicella-vaccine-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/antibiotic-allergy-risks-in-children-and-barycela-an-advance-in-antibiotic-free-varicella-vaccine-technology","title":{"rendered":"ANTIBIOTIC ALLERGY RISKS IN CHILDREN AND BARYCELA: AN ADVANCE IN ANTIBIOTIC-FREE VARICELLA VACCINE TECHNOLOGY"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chickenpox (varicella) is an acute infectious disease caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV). It spreads easily among children through respiratory transmission or contact with fluid from blisters. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, and itchy blisters. The disease can also lead to complications such as skin infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, meningitis, and shingles later in life<\/span> [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/questions-and-answers\/item\/chickenpox\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">6<\/a>]. <span style=\"color: #000000;\">Given these risks, vaccination is an effective preventive measure against chickenpox.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">In recent years, however, many parents have become increasingly concerned about vaccine safety, particularly antibiotics that may remain as trace residues from the manufacturing process and the potential risk of adverse reactions in children with sensitivities. In this context, the introduction of Barycela, a second-generation varicella vaccine based on the MAV\/06 strain and manufactured without antibiotics, represents a new approach to addressing concerns about antibiotic content in vaccines while supporting improvements in vaccine quality and confidence in immunization.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\"><strong>1. Risks of antibiotic allergies associated with vaccines<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\"><strong>1.1. Why are antibiotics used in vaccines?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">During the production of many commonly used vaccines, including those against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella, antibiotics such as neomycin, streptomycin, and erythromycin may be added to cell or virus culture media to limit unwanted bacterial or fungal contamination and maintain aseptic conditions.<\/span> [<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s40629-022-00215-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3<\/a>]<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">After virus cultivation is complete, the vaccine undergoes rigorous purification processes to remove most residual production components. However, small trace amounts of antibiotics may remain in the finished vaccine.<\/span> [8]<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\"><strong>1.2. Potential adverse reactions to antibiotics in children with sensitivities<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Although the amount of residual antibiotics in vaccines is very low and reactions are rare, these components may still warrant consideration in children with sensitivities or a history of allergies. Possible allergic manifestations following vaccination include hives, skin rashes, itching, irritability, reduced feeding, or disturbed sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">In infants, these signs may be mistaken for normal physiological responses. If an allergic reaction is not recognized promptly, it can become more severe and, in rare cases, lead to anaphylaxis. Therefore, screening for a history of allergies before vaccination is important. The development of vaccines manufactured without antibiotics is also an approach that can help address concerns about antibiotic-related risks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\"><strong>2. Advancements in Barycela, a second-generation varicella vaccine<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Barycela is a varicella vaccine developed by GC Biopharma (South Korea) using the attenuated MAV\/06 virus strain. By eliminating the use of antibiotics throughout the manufacturing process, Barycela represents a notable advancement in vaccine manufacturing technology.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Barycela is a second-generation varicella vaccine developed based on the research and manufacturing experience gained from the first-generation Varicella-GCC vaccine, which has been available in Vietnam since 2008. Building on this foundation, GC Biopharma has introduced several improvements intended to enhance vaccine stability and safety. Key advancements include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Automated, closed aseptic manufacturing technology: The vaccine is manufactured on an automated production line using a sterile, single-use bag system to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Antibiotic-free manufacturing: Through an aseptic manufacturing process from virus cultivation to purification, Barycela is produced without the use of antibiotics.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A minimum potency of 3,800 PFU throughout its shelf life: This is higher than that of some Oka-strain varicella vaccines used worldwide.<\/span> [<a href=\"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/stability-of-the-second-generation-mav-06-varicella-vaccine-barycela-translating-scientific-evidence-into-immunization-practice\">2<\/a>]<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">MRC-5 cell line: A cell line recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and widely used globally in vaccine production.<\/span> [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/teams\/health-product-policy-and-standards\/standards-and-specifications\/norms-and-standards\/who-reference-cell-banks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">7<\/a>]<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">From Varicella-GCC (first generation) to Barycela (second generation), improvements in the manufacturing process have helped enhance vaccine stability and support safety. The following table highlights the technological advancements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Criteria<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"234\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">First generation:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Varicella Vaccine &#8211; GCC inj.<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"245\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Second generation:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">BARYCELA inj.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Virus strain<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"234\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">MAV\/06<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"245\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">MAV\/06<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Virus content<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"234\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">\u2265 1,400 PFU<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"245\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">\u2265 3,800 PFU<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Cell line\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"234\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">LuMA cells\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"245\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">MRC-5 cells\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Manufacturing process\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"234\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Manual process\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Reusable bag [Open system]\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"245\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Automated, aseptic process designed to reduce fine particulate matter by 1,000-fold<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Single-use bags (closed system)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Improved stability<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Antibiotic content\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"234\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Contains biotics<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">(Kanamycin, Erythromycin)<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"245\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Manufactured without antibiotics<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">WHO PQ qualification\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"234\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Not obtained\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"245\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Obtained (February, 2023)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Approval in Vietnam\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"234\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">2008<\/span><\/td>\n<td width=\"245\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\"><em>Table 1: Comparison of Varicella Vaccine &#8211; GCC inj. and BARYCELA inj.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bao-ve-tre-em-truoc-benh-thuy-dau-en.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3400\" src=\"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bao-ve-tre-em-truoc-benh-thuy-dau-en.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bao-ve-tre-em-truoc-benh-thuy-dau-en.png 1920w, https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bao-ve-tre-em-truoc-benh-thuy-dau-en-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bao-ve-tre-em-truoc-benh-thuy-dau-en-648x365.png 648w, https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bao-ve-tre-em-truoc-benh-thuy-dau-en-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bao-ve-tre-em-truoc-benh-thuy-dau-en-1600x900.png 1600w, https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bao-ve-tre-em-truoc-benh-thuy-dau-en-160x90.png 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><em>Image: Protect your child against varicella<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\"><strong>3. Barycela: An advancement in chickenpox prevention for children with sensitivities<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Thanks to its improved manufacturing technology, which eliminates the use of antibiotics, Barycela avoids the risk of allergic reactions or anaphylaxis associated with neomycin, offering greater peace of mind to families with children who are sensitive to antibiotics. The vaccine received World Health Organization Prequalification (WHO PQ) in 2023.<\/span> [<a href=\"https:\/\/extranet.who.int\/prequal\/vaccines\/p\/barycela-inj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">5<\/a>]<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the first-generation MAV\/06-strain vaccine:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">In the Philippines: A five-year follow-up study involving 163 children reported no cases of clinical disease or skin lesions, corresponding to an estimated protective efficacy of approximately 100%.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In South Korea (vaccine coverage above 95%): Following the vaccine\u2019s introduction into the national immunization program in 2005, the incidence of chickenpox decreased by 60\u201367%, while the age distribution of cases shifted toward older groups. Notably, from 2010 to 2021, the rate of complications among children declined by 96%, from 137 to 6 cases per 100,000 people<\/span>. [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/21645515.2026.2627097#abstract\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">4<\/a>]<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Vaccination is an effective way to protect children against chickenpox. With its safety advantages and reasonable cost, the second-generation MAV\/06-strain vaccine helps expand access to vaccination and contributes to improving public health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\">Barycela is now available at most vaccination centers nationwide. Parents are encouraged to take their children to the nearest healthcare facility to consult a healthcare professional about the appropriate vaccination schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #000000;\"><strong>References:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">[<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vaccines\/hcp\/imz-best-practices\/preventing-managing-adverse-reactions.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1<\/a>] <span style=\"color: #000000;\">CDC, <em>Preventing and managing adverse reactions: General best practice guidance for immunization, <\/em>2024<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">[2] <span style=\"color: #000000;\">GC Biopharma. BARYCELA Inj. Stability Study Report: Stability Evaluation at 15 \u00b1 2\u00b0C and 65 \u00b1 5% Relative Humidity for 28 Days. Internal Quality &amp; Stability Data, 2024.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">[<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s40629-022-00215-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3<\/a>] <span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mahler, V., &amp; Junker, A.-C, <em>Allergo Journal International<\/em>, Anaphylaxis to additives in vaccines, 2022<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">[<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/21645515.2026.2627097#abstract\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">4<\/a>] <span style=\"color: #000000;\">Shin, Y., Ryu, H., Kim, G., Yang, S., Lee, J., &amp; Choi, B, NIH, Safety, immunogenicity, and effectiveness of the MAV\/06 varicella vaccine: A comprehensive review of a new strain vaccine, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">[<a href=\"https:\/\/extranet.who.int\/prequal\/vaccines\/p\/barycela-inj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">5<\/a>] <span style=\"color: #000000;\">WHO, <em>BARYCELA inj.<\/em> WHO &#8211; Prequalification of Medical Products, 2023<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">[<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/questions-and-answers\/item\/chickenpox\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">6<\/a>] <span style=\"color: #000000;\">WHO, Chickenpox: Questions and answers, 2025<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">[<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/teams\/health-product-policy-and-standards\/standards-and-specifications\/norms-and-standards\/who-reference-cell-banks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">7<\/a>] <span style=\"color: #000000;\">WHO, <em>WHO reference cell banks<\/em>, 2021<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">[8] <span style=\"color: #000000;\">WHO, Vaccine safety basics learning manual, 2013<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #003366;\"><strong>NAVIVA GROUP<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; color: #ff0000;\"><em>\u201cCommunity health is our happiness!\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chickenpox (varicella) is an acute infectious disease caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV). It spreads easily among children through respiratory transmission or contact with fluid from blisters. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, and itchy blisters. The disease can also lead to complications such as skin infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, meningitis, and shingles later in life [6]. [&hellip;] <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3400,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3407","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3407","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3407"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3407\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3409,"href":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3407\/revisions\/3409"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3400"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3407"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3407"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naviva.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3407"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}