Varicella vaccine
Article Abstract:
A chickenpox vaccine available in 1995 appears to be safe and somewhat effective. The Varivax vaccine produced by Merck and Company Inc. consists of a live, weakened strain of the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. Children are most likely to contract chickenpox, although the disease is more severe in adults. Healthy people who have not had chickenpox should be injected with one or two doses of the vaccine, based on age. Twenty-five percent of vaccine recipients develop soreness and redness at the injection site and 5% develop a rash. One dose of the vaccine produces an immune response in 97% of children, 79% of teenagers, and 82% of adults. Twenty percent of vaccinated children and 27% of vaccinated teenagers and adults developed mild chicken pox when exposed to the virus within five years of immunization.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1995
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Anthrax vaccine
Article Abstract:
Anthrax vaccine has been approved by the FDA since 1970 and seems to be effective if used prior to exposure to anthrax. It is currently of interest because over two million U.S. military personnel will be vaccinated with it. There are no available controlled trials for the vaccine, but in occupations involving the handling of imported animals, none of the workers given two or more doses have become infected, while others who were not vaccinated did. Transmission of the disease by skin contact is the most common form, but the military is nore interested in respiratory transmission.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1998
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