Answer
Varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) post exposure
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Varicella zoster immune globulin (VariZIG by Cangene) is indicated for administration to high-risk individuals within 10 days (ideally within 4 days) of chickenpox (varicella zoster virus) exposure. If VariZIG is unavailable, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can be used.
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High-risk groups include the following:
Immunocompromised children and adults
Newborns of mothers with varicella shortly before or after delivery
Premature infants
Infants less than one year of age [6]
Adults without evidence of immunity
Pregnant women
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VZIG should be given to an infant if the mother develops varicella from 5 days before to 2 days after delivery
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VZIG should be given to hospitalized premature infants of ≥28 wk gestation whose mothers have no history of varicella infection; also, VZIG should be given to hospitalized premature infants < 28 wk gestation or weighing ≤1000 g at birth regardless of maternal history when a significant exposure has occurred