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Children and VaricellaEnglish R: Varicella. Pediatrics in Review 2003; 24(11):372-378.
While varicella infection is generally benign, and a vaccine exists, many children are not receiving the vaccine, and serious complications continue to develop. The American Academy of Pediatrics has set a goal of immunizing more than 90% of American children against varicella by 2010. This review article looks at epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical aspects, complications, diagnosis, management, and prevention.
The varicella vaccine has been available since 1995, but full utilization has not been achieved. Continuing studies provide evidence that the vaccine is 85% to 90% effective in preventing all forms of the disease and 95% to 100% effective in preventing moderate-to-severe disease. While there are a few contraindications (concurrent moderate febrile illness, chronic high-dose steroid use, pregnancy, history of anaphylaxis to gelatin, and neomycin), the American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending that practitioners administer the vaccine to all healthy, susceptible children older than 12 months of age.