The document has issued a global guideline on chickenpox vaccination, emphasizing two doses of vaccination to achieve optimal immunity; Authentication of the new vaccine MAV/06 of GC Biopharma (Korea), allowing the conversion between vaccines using this vaccine and vaccines using commonly used strains - Oka strains and supporting the introduction of vaccines containing this new strain into national vaccination programs in areas with high disease burden, as demonstrated through disease control strategies.
The main points updated and recommended in the Instruction:
- Confirming the new vaccine strain: The official manual confirms that the MAV/06 strain (used in the BarYCELA vaccine of GC Biopharma) is equivalent to the Oka strain, helping to increase the global vaccine supply and allowing it to be included as well as integrated into existing vaccination schedules.
- Schedule of 2 doses of vaccine: Emphasizing that giving one dose of vaccine will provide good protection, but with two doses of vaccine will provide sustainable and optimal immunity, this standard vaccination schedule has been applied in some countries such as the UK.
- Public health solutions: Reasserting the vaccination of chickenpox vaccine as the main solution to reduce severe cases and complications, supporting the implementation of vaccination in the Expanded Immunization Program for children in areas with chickenpox is a major problem in public health.
- Replace the 2014 Instructions: This new document updates previous instructions from 2014, including new evidence and global experience.
GC Biopharma's chickenpox vaccine 'MAV/06' is authenticated in the World Health Organization's (WHO Position Paper) Instructions for chickenpox vaccine
- Officially recognized by WHO as a standard chickenpox vaccine along with the prize vaccine - Oka vaccine
- Verify the possibility of converting between strains to increase global supply, ensure vaccine security
GC Biopharma's MAV/06 chickenpox vaccine has been included in the World Health Organization's (WHO Position Paper) Instructions for chickenpox vaccination published on November 21, 2025.
The World Health Organization's guidelines for vaccines (WHO Position Paper) are considered a global guideline confirmed for vaccination policies drafted by a group of vaccination strategy consultants (SAGE).
With its inclusion in the WHO Instruction, BARYCELA Inj. - GC Biopharma's chickenpox vaccine using the MAV/06 strain has been internationally recognized on par with vaccines using the Oka strain. WHO has also confirmed the possibility of a switch between the vaccine using the MAV/06 strain and the Oka strain, allowing BarYCELA Inj. are vaccinated with the chickenpox vaccines currently available in the 2-dose vaccination schedule. BarYCELA Inj. is considered an alternative vaccine that has been verified in the global chickenpox vaccine market.
The safety and immunity of the MAV/06 strain have been confirmed in the phase 3 clinical trial of the BarYCELA Inj vaccine. and has been published in prestigious international journals. Research shows that high immunity and good safety have helped this vaccine be included in the National Expansion Programs.
New strain authentication has created a more flexible global vaccine supply system by allowing alternation between strains of vaccines, minimizing the risk of supply shortages and improving continuity
Ms. Jaewoo Lee, Head of Forensic Science and Product Development at GC Biopharma, said, The inclusion of MAV/06 in the WHO Guidelines for chickenpox vaccines has marked an important milestone in increasing the global supply of chickenpox vaccines. With proven manufacturing capacity and strong international supply capabilities, we are committed to supporting global vaccination efforts by providing reliable access to high-quality vaccines."
The MAV/06 cluster was developed by GC Biopharma in 1993, and has been used in products such as Suduvax, Varicella and is now BARYCELA Inj. for nearly 30 years.
In Vietnam, NAV VAT GROUP Company is the distributor and supplier of BarYCELA Inj chickenpox vaccine. containing the MAV/06 strain.
