What virus does the varicella-zoster vaccine protect against?

The varicella-zoster vaccine is specifically designed to provide immunity against both chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster). Chickenpox is the primary disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, characterized by an itchy rash and flu-like symptoms. After the initial infection, the virus can remain dormant in the body and may reactivate later in life to cause shingles, which manifests as a painful rash and can lead to complications. The vaccination works by eliciting an immune response that helps prevent these diseases or reduce their severity if they do occur.

Other options do not relate to the varicella-zoster vaccine: measles is prevented by a different vaccine, hepatitis B has its own specific vaccine, and human papillomavirus is protected against by yet another vaccination. Thus, the varicella-zoster vaccine’s role in preventing both chickenpox and shingles makes it uniquely effective against those conditions.