rxstat › Shortages › Varicella-zoster Virus Vaccine Live Attenuated

Varicella-zoster Virus Vaccine Live Attenuated shortage status

Discontinued

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026

Varicella-zoster Virus Vaccine Live Attenuated products have been discontinued in Canada. See the reports below for which products and when.
Products affected
0 / 1
Reports on file
2

Reports by product

Discontinued
ZOSTAVAX II
19400PFU · POWDER FOR SUSPENSION · MERCK CANADA INC
DIN 02375516
Avoided
ZOSTAVAX II
19400PFU · POWDER FOR SUSPENSION · MERCK CANADA INC
DIN 02375516 · ended May 17, 2017 · Demand increase for the drug.

What's happening

One or more Varicella-zoster Virus Vaccine Live Attenuated products have been permanently discontinued by their manufacturers. If your product is affected, ask your pharmacist about equivalent products still on the market.

Varicella-zoster Virus Vaccine Live Attenuated is classified under “VIRAL VACCINES” (ATC J07BK).

Recent changes

Common questions

When will Varicella-zoster Virus Vaccine Live Attenuated be back in stock in Canada?

Manufacturers have not provided a reliable end date. This page updates automatically as soon as an estimate is filed.

Why is Varicella-zoster Virus Vaccine Live Attenuated in shortage?

See the reports above; manufacturers must state a reason (most commonly manufacturing disruption or a surge in demand) when filing with Health Canada.

What can my pharmacist do about it?

Often quite a lot: substitute an equivalent product from an unaffected manufacturer, adjust quantities, or in most provinces adapt or renew prescriptions on the spot. Call your pharmacy before visiting, and call 811 for free health advice.

Related drugs (viral vaccines)

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Guides: what to do when your medication is in shortage · how to read shortage reports

Data reflects reports manufacturers are legally required to file with Health Canada, republished with per-drug aggregation by rxstat. Estimated end dates are supplied by manufacturers and frequently change. This page describes drug supply only and is not medical advice; never stop or switch a medication without speaking to your pharmacist or prescriber.