Vaccines for post-exposure prophylaxis against varicella (chickenpox) in children and adults

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Live attenuated varicella vaccines for the prevention of varicella (chickenpox) has been demonstrated both in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and in population-based immunisation programmes in countries such as the United States. However, many countries do not routinely immunise children against varicella, and exposures continue to occur. Although the disease is often mild, complications such as secondary bacterial infection, pneumonitis and encephalitis occur in about 1% of cases, usually leading to hospitalisation. The use of varicella vaccine in persons who have recently been exposed to the varicella zoster virus has been studied as a form of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of vaccines for use as PEP for the prevention of varicella in children and adults. CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERING STUDIES FOR THIS REVIEW: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)

Incidence and consequences of varicella in children treated for cancer in Guatemala

“…[16,29] Limiting vaccination to immune-compromised patients is not feasible, since the current vaccine contains live-attenuated VZV, which may replicate unchecked and disseminate in severely immunecompromised children. [30,31] Vaccination of close contacts of immune-compromised children, such as varicella-susceptible siblings, could be a practical strategy. The benefi t of administering the live varicella vaccine to potential contacts of immune-compromised patients far outweighs any theoretical risks of transmission.…”

Incidence and consequences of varicella in children treated for cancer in Guatemala

“…[16,29] Limiting vaccination to immune-compromised patients is not feasible, since the current vaccine contains live-attenuated VZV, which may replicate unchecked and disseminate in severely immunecompromised children. [30,31] Vaccination of close contacts of immune-compromised children, such as varicella-susceptible siblings, could be a practical strategy. The benefi t of administering the live varicella vaccine to potential contacts of immune-compromised patients far outweighs any theoretical risks of transmission.…”

Management of ramsay hunt syndrome in an acute palliative care setting

“…[ 15 ] Vaccination against VZV is an interesting new development that might reduce the incidence of VZV associated disease altogether. [ 16 17 ]…”

Mandatory Childhood Vaccinations in Poland—The Art of Preventing the Preventable

“…Chickenpox may lead to serious complications in all age groups. Children under the age of four suffer usually cutaneous complications such as secondary bacterial infection, in children aged 5-14 nervous complications are observed, whereas, in children older than 14, pulmonary complications are the most prevalent [141,142].…”

Incidence and consequences of varicella in children treated for cancer in Guatemala

“…[16,29] Limiting vaccination to immune-compromised patients is not feasible, since the current vaccine contains live-attenuated VZV, which may replicate unchecked and disseminate in severely immunecompromised children. [30,31] Vaccination of close contacts of immune-compromised children, such as varicella-susceptible siblings, could be a practical strategy. The benefi t of administering the live varicella vaccine to potential contacts of immune-compromised patients far outweighs any theoretical risks of transmission.…”

Management of ramsay hunt syndrome in an acute palliative care setting

“…[ 15 ] Vaccination against VZV is an interesting new development that might reduce the incidence of VZV associated disease altogether. [ 16 17 ]…”

Mandatory Childhood Vaccinations in Poland—The Art of Preventing the Preventable

“…Chickenpox may lead to serious complications in all age groups. Children under the age of four suffer usually cutaneous complications such as secondary bacterial infection, in children aged 5-14 nervous complications are observed, whereas, in children older than 14, pulmonary complications are the most prevalent [141,142].…”

Incidence and consequences of varicella in children treated for cancer in Guatemala

“…[16,29] Limiting vaccination to immune-compromised patients is not feasible, since the current vaccine contains live-attenuated VZV, which may replicate unchecked and disseminate in severely immunecompromised children. [30,31] Vaccination of close contacts of immune-compromised children, such as varicella-susceptible siblings, could be a practical strategy. The benefi t of administering the live varicella vaccine to potential contacts of immune-compromised patients far outweighs any theoretical risks of transmission.…”

Management of ramsay hunt syndrome in an acute palliative care setting

“…[ 15 ] Vaccination against VZV is an interesting new development that might reduce the incidence of VZV associated disease altogether. [ 16 17 ]…”

Mandatory Childhood Vaccinations in Poland—The Art of Preventing the Preventable

“…Chickenpox may lead to serious complications in all age groups. Children under the age of four suffer usually cutaneous complications such as secondary bacterial infection, in children aged 5-14 nervous complications are observed, whereas, in children older than 14, pulmonary complications are the most prevalent [141,142].…”