GIF suspends sale of known chickenpox vaccine

Due to a possible threat to public health, the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector issued a decision to immediately suspend the sale of a batch of the Varilrix vaccine used in the prevention of chickenpox. The case concerns one batch of this preparation.

The Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector has issued a decision to temporarily suspend trade throughout the country in the medicinal product Varilrix, i.e. a vaccine against chickenpox in the form of powder and solvent for preparing a solution for injection.

The decision concerns a specific series:

• Serial number: A70CD868B,
• Expiration date: 30/06/2026,
• GTIN: 05909990469093,
• Marketing Authorisation Holder: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA (Belgium).

The body indicates that there was a real risk to patients , which is why it was necessary to immediately suspend the trade of the vaccine until the safety of this batch was fully verified. The application for such action was submitted by the President of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products (URPL).

Entities responsible for trade in medicinal products are obliged to immediately implement the actions specified in the Regulation of the Minister of Health of 12 March 2008 regarding the procedures for withdrawing and suspending medicinal products.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) . It is characterized by fever, weakness, and a characteristic, itchy rash with blisters. Although it is mild in most children, it can lead to serious complications - especially in newborns, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent it.

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