Chickenpox (Varicella) Information
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Background Information for Chickenpox (Varicella)
The Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine
Who Should Get the Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine?
Who Should Not Get the Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine?
Background Information for Chickenpox
(Varicella)
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral illness most commonly associated
with childhood. In the early 1990's there were approximately 4 million
cases every year in the United States. Although it is a relatively mild
disease in healthy children, it is more severe in adults. Despite the fact
that adults account for only 5% of the cases, 55% of the deaths are in
this group. Approximately 10,000 people are hospitalized due to
complications every year (skin infections and pneumonia), and around 100
die. Pregnant women need to be particularly cautious, as chickenpox is
associated with fetal abnormalities. Once a person has had the illness,
they are protected for life, although the virus may reactivate and cause
shingles at a later date.
Testing is a more accurate way of determining immunity than history alone. Studies have shown that as many as 70%-90% of adults without reliable histories of chickenpox were actually immune.
Chickenpox is seen with some regularity at Rutgers, and students who have the illness need to be quarantined from the rest of the University.
The Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine
The chickenpox vaccine consists of a live attenuated virus that is given
to adults on two occasions 4-8 weeks apart. This is a safe vaccine. About
20% of recipients will have minor injection site complaints, such as pain,
swelling or redness. Around 5% may develop a very mild chickenpox like
rash 5-26 days after vaccination. Those that develop this rash may be able
to pass chickenpox to those who are not immune. Serious adverse reactions
are extremely rare (approximately 2 per 100,000 doses given).
Who Should Get the Chickenpox (Varicella)
Vaccine?
All adults who have no immunity and no contraindications
should be vaccinated after first having the blood test to assure
that they are not immune. Adults who have been exposed to chickenpox
within the past 3-5 days should be immunized to prevent or lessen any
illness.
Who Should Not Get the Chickenpox
(Varicella) Vaccine?
Women who are pregnant, or are planning on becoming pregnant within the
next month should not take this vaccine. Those with immunodeficiencies
(e.g. HIV/AIDS, some cancers, leukemia, or those taking large doses of
cortisone type medications) should not take this vaccine. Neither should
those who have had a severe allergic reaction to neomycin, gelatin, or a
previous dose of the vaccine.
The risk of spreading the virus to non-immune pregnant women is extremely low, and it may therefore be given to those who spend time with pregnant women.
Last Modified 02/06/2007