Navigating through vaccine abbreviations can be confusing for parents and even some healthcare providers. As a mom of two who’s gone through the immunization process twice (and made plenty of mistakes along the way!), I wanted to create this guide to help you understand the chickenpox vaccine abbreviation and everything related to it.
The Quick Answer: VAR is the Abbreviation for Chickenpox Vaccine
If you’re in a hurry, here’s what you need to know: VAR is the official abbreviation for the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. This abbreviation appears on immunization records, medical charts, and official documentation.
The standalone chickenpox vaccine available in the US is called Varivax
Chickenpox Vaccine Abbreviations: Complete Guide
When looking at immunization records, you might see different abbreviations related to chickenpox protection. Here’s what they mean:
- VAR – Varicella vaccine (Varivax)
- MMRV – Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella combination vaccine (ProQuad)
The CDC officially uses these abbreviations in their documentation as confirmed on their website updated July 29, 2025.
Why the Different Abbreviations?
The reason for multiple abbreviations is simple – chickenpox protection can be given either as a standalone vaccine (VAR) or combined with other vaccines (MMRV). The choice between them depends on your child’s age, medical history, and your healthcare provider’s recommendation.
Recent Updates on Chickenpox Vaccination (2025)
As of May 14, 2025, the World Health Organization recommends that “Univalent varicella or MMRV vaccine is recommended for routine immunization of healthy children aged 12 months to less than 13 years of age.”
This means both options (VAR or MMRV) are considered effective for protecting children against chickenpox.
When is the Chickenpox Vaccine Given?
The typical vaccination schedule for chickenpox includes:
- First dose: 12-15 months of age
- Second dose: 4-6 years of age
However, if your child missed these windows, catch-up vaccination is possible and recommended.
Identifying VAR on Your Child’s Immunization Record
When reviewing your child’s vaccination records, you’ll see the VAR abbreviation followed by the date of administration. It might look something like this:
VAR #1: 01/15/2024VAR #2: 02/12/2025Or if your child received the combination vaccine:
MMRV #1: 01/15/2024MMRV #2: 02/12/2025VAR vs. MMRV: What’s the Difference?
I remember being confused about this when my first kid was getting vaccinated. Here’s the breakdown:
VAR (Varivax):
- Contains only the chickenpox vaccine
- May be preferred for certain age groups or children with specific medical histories
- Requires separate MMR vaccine
MMRV (ProQuad):
- Combines measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines
- Requires fewer shots (one instead of two)
- May have slightly different side effect profile
- Not recommended for some children with certain medical conditions
Why Understanding Vaccine Abbreviations Matters
As parents, we’re often handed immunization records or asked about our child’s vaccination status. Understanding the abbreviations helps us:
- Accurately communicate with healthcare providers
- Ensure our children’s records are complete
- Follow recommended vaccination schedules
- Make informed decisions about our children’s health
Common Questions About Chickenpox Vaccine Abbreviations
Is VZV the same as VAR?
No, they’re different. VZV stands for Varicella-Zoster Virus, which is the virus that causes chickenpox. VAR is the abbreviation for the vaccine that protects against this virus.
What does MMRV stand for exactly?
MMRV stands for:
- M – Measles
- M – Mumps
- R – Rubella
- V – Varicella (chickenpox)
How can I tell if my child has received the chickenpox vaccine?
Check your child’s immunization record for the abbreviations VAR or MMRV. If you don’t have access to these records, your healthcare provider or state immunization registry should have this information.
Can adults get the chickenpox vaccine?
Yes! Adults who haven’t had chickenpox should consider getting vaccinated, especially if they:
- Work in healthcare
- Work in schools or childcare
- Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- Plan to become pregnant
For adults, the vaccine is given as two doses, 4-8 weeks apart.
The Importance of Chickenpox Vaccination
Before the vaccine became available in 1995, about 4 million people got chickenpox each year in the United States. Most cases were mild, but some led to serious complications including:
- Bacterial infections of the skin
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Death (rare but possible)
Since the introduction of routine chickenpox vaccination, we’ve seen a dramatic decrease in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths from this disease.
Side Effects of the Chickenpox Vaccine
Like any medical intervention, the chickenpox vaccine can have side effects. Most are mild and include:
- Soreness or swelling at the injection site (about 20% of people)
- Fever (about 10-15% of people)
- Mild rash (about 3-5% of people)
Serious side effects are extremely rare.
My Personal Experience with the Chickenpox Vaccine
When my first child was due for his vaccinations, I remember being overwhelmed by all the abbreviations and options. His pediatrician recommended the MMRV vaccine to reduce the number of shots needed, and we went with that option.
He had a slight fever the next day, but nothing some children’s Tylenol couldn’t handle. For my second child, we opted for separate MMR and VAR vaccines due to some research suggesting fewer side effects with this approach.
Both kids are healthy and protected, which is what matters most to me!
Keeping Track of Vaccination Records
I’ve found these strategies helpful for keeping track of my kids’ vaccination records:
- Ask for a printed copy after each vaccination visit
- Take a photo of the record with your phone
- Keep a digital copy in a secure cloud storage
- Register with your state’s immunization information system if available
Final Thoughts on Chickenpox Vaccine Abbreviations
Understanding that VAR is the abbreviation for the chickenpox vaccine and MMRV is the combo vaccine that includes chickenpox protection will help you navigate your family’s healthcare with confidence.
As a parent who’s been through the vaccination journey twice now, I can tell you that knowledge really is power when it comes to protecting our kids’ health.
Whether you choose VAR or MMRV, the important thing is that your child gets protected against chickenpox – a disease that used to be considered an inevitable childhood rite of passage but now is largely preventable.
Have questions about chickenpox vaccination or other immunizations? Speak with your healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your child’s specific needs.
References
This article was created using information from:
- CDC Vaccine Abbreviations (updated July 29, 2025)
- World Health Organization recommendations (updated May 14, 2025)
- New York State Department of Health immunization guidelines
Remember: accurate immunization records are an important part of your child’s healthcare history. Understanding the abbreviations is just one small piece of being an informed advocate for your family’s health!
Children need 2 doses of varicella vaccine, usually:
- First dose: 12 through 15 months of age
- Second dose: 4 through 6 years of age
Older children, adolescents, and adults also need 2 doses of varicella vaccine if they are not already immune to chickenpox.
Varicella vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Also, a child between 12 months and 12 years of age might receive varicella vaccine together with MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine in a single shot, known as MMRV. Your health care provider can give you more information.
What if there is a serious problem?
An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person to the nearest hospital.
For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider.
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website at www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.