Shingles and chickenpox (Varicella-zoster virus)
Description
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of shingles and chicken pox.
Alternative Names
Chicken pox; Herpes zoster; Postherpatic neuralgia
Vaccination
There are two types of varicella vaccines:
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A chickenpox vaccine for vaccinating children, adolescents, and some adults
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A shingles vaccine for vaccinating adults age 60 years and older
Chickenpox vaccine
A live-virus vaccine (Varivax) produces persistent immunity against chickenpox. [A vaccine (Proquad) for children ages 1 - 12 years now combines measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella in one product.] The vaccine can prevent chickenpox or reduce the severity of the illness if it is used within 3 days, and possibly up to 5 days, after exposure to the infection.
Recommendations for the Chickenpox Vaccine in Children
In 2007, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) revised the immunization schedule for the chickenpox vaccine. The new schedule recommends that children receive TWO doses of the chickenpox vaccine with:
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The first dose administered when the child is 12 – 15 months years of age, and
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The second dose administered when the child is 4 – 6 years of age
As of 2007, all children should routinely receive these vaccinations. For children who have previously received one dose of the chickenpox vaccine, the ACIP recommends that they receive a “catch-up” second dose during their regular doctor’s visit. This second dose can be given at any time as long as it is at least 3 months after the first dose. Experts pushed for the new second-dose policy due to a number of recent chickenpox outbreaks among previously vaccinated schoolchildren.
A 2007 study in the
New England Journal of Medicine
also found that one dose of the vaccine may not be enough to provide complete immunity. Among 350,000 patients researchers studied over 10 years, 11,356 were reported to have chickenpox. A total of 1,080 of the patients had breakthrough disease, a modified form of chickenpox with a mild rash that can occur in some vaccinated people. According to the study, those most at risk were children ages 8 - 12 years who had been vaccinated at least 5 years before their current chickenpox infection.
Recommendations for the Chickenpox Vaccine in Adults
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that every healthy adult without a known history of chickenpox be vaccinated. Adults in the following groups should strongly consider vaccination:
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Those with high risk of exposure or transmission (hospital or day care workers, parents of young children)
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People in contact with those who have compromised immune systems
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Nonpregnant women of childbearing age
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International travelers
As with other live-virus vaccines, the chickenpox vaccine is not recommended for:
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Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant within 30 days of vaccination.
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People whose immune systems are compromised by disease or drugs (such as after organ transplantation). Experts report that the vaccine is safe in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Certain children who are HIV-positive may be candidates for the vaccine. An inactivated chickenpox vaccine may be safe for patients undergoing bone marrow transplants when given before and after the operation.
Patients who cannot be vaccinated but who are exposed to chickenpox receive immune globulin antibodies against varicella virus. This helps prevent complications of the disease if they become infected.
Side Effects of the Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine
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Discomfort at the Injection Site.
About 20% of vaccine recipients have pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site.
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Severe Side Effects.
Only about 5% of adverse reactions are serious. Such events include seizures, pneumonia, anaphylactic reaction, encephalitis, Stevens-Johnsons syndrome, neuropathy, herpes zoster, and blood abnormalities.
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Risk of Transmission.
The vaccine may produce a mild rash within about a month of the vaccination, which can transmit chickenpox to others. Individuals who have recently been vaccinated should avoid close contact with anyone who might be susceptible to severe complications from chickenpox until the risk for a rash passes.
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Later Infection.
Months or even years after the vaccination, some people develop a mild infection termed modified varicella-like syndrome (MVLS). The condition appears to be less contagious and has fewer complications than naturally acquired chickenpox.
Shingles Vaccine
In 2006, a shingles vaccine was approved for use in the United States. The zoster vaccine (Zostavax) is a stronger version of the chickenpox vaccine. Study results published in 2005 suggested that the zoster vaccine can prevent about half of all shingles cases and two-thirds of postherpetic neuralgia cases. The CDC recommends that all adults age 60 years and older who have intact immune systems should receive this vaccine
Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin
Varicella-zoster immune globulin (VariZIG) is a substance that triggers an immune response against the varicella-zoster virus. It is used to protect high-risk patients who are exposed to chickenpox, or those who cannot receive a vaccination of the live virus. Such groups include:
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Pregnant women with no history of chickenpox
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Newborn infants whose mothers had signs or symptoms of chickenpox around the time of delivery (5 days before to 2 days after)
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Premature infants
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Immunocompromised children and adults with no antibodies to VZV
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Recipients of bone-marrow transplants (even if they have had chickenpox)
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Patients with a debilitating disease (even if they have had chickenpox)
For these patients, VariZIG should be given within 96 hours of exposure to someone with chickenpox. (Note: VariZIG is a new formulation of an older drug called VZIG, which is no longer being produced.)
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Review Date: 3/15/2007
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Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
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