Teaching Point
With the advent of the varicella vaccine in 1995, along with immunization requirements for most public and private schools, chicken pox is not thought of in the same vein as years past. Indeed, many parents in the past would intentionally expose their young children to those with the virus to acquire immunity. The vaccine is recommended for all susceptible persons age 12 months and older. For those healthy patients age 12 to 18 months, one dose is given. Two doses, 6 to 8 weeks apart are given to susceptible persons older than 13 years. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing disease and providing protection from severe disease. Because the vaccine is live attenuated, it should not be given to immunocompromised patients or those with HIV disease.
Dermatology Nursing. 2008;20(1):47-49,53. © 2008 Jannetti Publications, Inc.
Cite this: What's Your Assessment? - Medscape - Feb 01, 2008.
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