Varicella
(Chicken Pox Vaccine)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last year the availability of a vaccine that offers protection from illness related to the varicella-zoster, or chicken pox virus. Chicken pox is a highly contagious disease and is spread from person to person by direct contact or through the air. The CDC estimates that 4 million cases of chicken pox occur annually. More than 90% of cases occur in children less than 15 years of age.The chicken pox virus is usually mild and not life threatening to otherwise healthy children. It may, however, be severe in infants, adults, and persons with an impaired immune system. Among children, a common complication of chicken pox is secondary bacterial infection of lesions. A child infected with chicken pox may have 300 or more lesions on his/her body.
In 1993, the estimated annual cost of caring for healthy children who contracted chicken pox was $918 million. A cost benefit study suggests that for every dollar spent on routine immunizations approximately five dollars in future medical costs are saved.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians issued their recommendations for the chicken pox vaccine in 1995. They recommended that children be immunized at age 12 to 18 months. Children not immunized as infants and who lack a reliable history of chicken pox should receive 2 doses of vaccine 4 to 8 weeks apart. While the current Head Start immunization requirements do not include the varicella vaccine, all programs are strongly urged to assist parents in getting their children immunized against this disease.
Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians issued their recommendations for the chicken pox vaccine in 1995. They recommended that children be immunized at age 12 to 18 months. Children not immunized as infants and who lack a reliable history of chicken pox should receive 2 doses of vaccine 4 to 8 weeks apart. While the current Head Start immunization requirements do not include the varicella vaccine, all programs are strongly urged to assist parents in getting their children immunized against this disease.