All About Michiaki Takahashi Chickenpox Vaccine

Varicella, popularly known as chickenpox, is an infectious disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus(VZV). Before the invention of the Michiaki Takahashi chickenpox vaccine, millions of children across the world were affected by the disease, as it was easily transmittable. However, the adults were more affected than children.

Discovery of the Varicella Vaccine

Japanese virologist Dr. Michiaki Takahashi developed the world’s first chickenpox vaccine in 1974. He was born on February 17, 1928, in Osaka, Japan. Takahashi got his medical degree from Osaka University and joined the Research Institute for Microbial Disease in the same Takahashi University. He went to the U.S. to do research at Baylor college in 1963. Takahashi’s son was affected by a severe chickenpox virus which paved the way for the discovery of the varicella vaccine. In 1964, Takashaki experimented with the weakened chickenpox viruses, and after five years, the vaccine was ready to test humans. After many successful tests on patients, the vaccine was launched in 1974. WHO approved the varicella vaccine in 1986. Takahashi named the vaccine “Oka” after his family name. Takahashi’s vaccine became a huge hit and helped to prevent infectious diseases. 

Facts About Chickenpox and Michiaki Takahashi Chickenpox Vaccine

Here are a few unknown facts about chickenpox and vaccination

• Chickenpox mostly affects children, but it can also affect adults with low immunity. The rate of hospitalization is higher among adults.
• It can spread through direct contact or even through the air.
• Before the invention of the varicella vaccine, nearly 4 million people got chickenpox every year in the U.S.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the chickenpox vaccine for children, adolescents, and adults.
• One might not get chickenpox twice in their lifetime. But it can happen rarely.
• It usually takes 10 days and a maximum of 21 days to cure chickenpox.
• Chickenpox vaccine is more than 90% effective in protecting against the varicella virus.