What is Varicella-zoster Virus (VZV)?

Varicella-zoster virus is an extremely common virus that causes both chickenpox and shingles. VZV infection has an incidence rate of over 3 million cases per year in the US alone, with the virus remaining dormant within the body and reactivating years later as shingles, an uncomfortable, painful rash with blisters.

What options are available?

The only vaccines are indicated for adults over 50:

·       Merck – Zostavax using live-attenuated VZV.

·       GSK – Shingrix using recombinant glycoprotein E with AS01B adjuvant.

Interested in learning about the impact of vaccines?

Read our article on how to improving HPV vaccines can lead to the elimination of cervical cancer. 

Learn about: 

·  Improving vaccine access

·  Key bottlenecks in vaccine development

·  Pseudoviruses to expand indications