Which vaccine guards against chicken pox?

• A. MMR
• B. Varicella
• C. Hepatitis B
• D. Influenza

Answer: (B)

The Varicella vaccine guards against chickenpox. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and this vaccine uses a weakened form of that virus to train the immune system. After vaccination, your body develops immunity, so if you’re exposed later, you’re much less likely to get chickenpox or to have a severe case. In many places, it’s given as two doses in childhood to provide stronger, longer-lasting protection.

The other vaccines protect different diseases: MMR targets measles, mumps, and rubella; Hepatitis B targets hepatitis B; and the influenza vaccine targets flu viruses. So the vaccine specifically designed for varicella is the one that guards against chickenpox.