The effectiveness of the varicella vaccine in clinical practice

Article Abstract:

Chickenpox vaccine is very effective in preventing chickenpox or reducing the severity of the disease. The vaccine was approved by the FDA in 1995.

Evaluation, Chickenpox vaccine, Chickenpox vaccines

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Persistence of immunity to varicella in children with leukemia immunized with live attenuated varicella vaccine

Article Abstract:

This paper examined the safety and effectiveness of immunizing children in remission from leukemia with chickenpox vaccine. The authors studied 437 children in remission from leukemia who were inoculated with live attenuated chickenpox virus (the standard vaccine). One hundred thirty-six of the patients received a single dose while 301 received a second dose of vaccine. The patients were followed for an average of three years (range one to six years). The presence of antibodies against chickenpox virus was found in 88 percent of the children studied after a single dose of vaccine and in 98 percent after two doses. (Antibodies are molecules produced by the body for defense against infection.) After immunization (but not as a consequence of it) eight percent of the children developed chickenpox. Of 83 patients exposed to chickenpox within their families, only 11 developed the illness. The overall attack rate was 14 percent with most of the cases being derived from children who had not developed antibodies against chickenpox. Two doses of vaccine did not appear to be more effective than a single dose. Of 372 patients who were continuing to receive chemotherapy when immunized, 40 percent developed a rash which was easily treatable, and four percent had a high fever. These reactions were not fatal and all were associated with a particular batch of vaccine which has since been discontinued. The authors conclude that for children in remission from leukemia, the chickenpox vaccine is safe and induces an immunity to chickenpox that lasts for more than three years.

Testing, Prevention, Complications and side effects, Children, Vaccination of children, Herpesvirus diseases, Herpesvirus infections, Childhood leukemia, Leukemia in children, Chickenpox

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Effectiveness over time of varicella vaccine

Article Abstract:

A study examines whether the effectiveness of the varicella vaccine is affected either by time since vaccination or by age at the time of vaccination. It was found that if administered at younger than 15 months, the vaccine's effectiveness was lower in the first year after vaccination.

Science & research, HEALTH SERVICES, All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services, Vaccination & Immunization, Care and treatment, Research, Varicella-zoster virus

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