New Guidelines for the Prevention of Varicella

New recommendations include a routine two-dose varicella vaccination program for children and catch-up doses for children, adolescents, and adults who have received only one dose.

Target Population: Physicians and other practitioners in the U.S. who are involved in immunization

Sponsoring Organization: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the CDC

Type: Recommendations from an expert panel, with input from an expanded group of invited experts

Background: In 1995, Merck’s Varivax, a live attenuated vaccine for the prevention of chickenpox, was licensed for use in the U.S. It was recommended for all nonimmunocompromised children 12 to 18 months of age (1 dose) and for other susceptible individuals, including children through 12 years of age (1 dose), and persons ≥13 years old at high risk for exposure (2 doses, 4–8 weeks apart). Initially, the vaccine was promoted by public health authorities because it a…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

New Guidelines for the Prevention of Varicella

Topics

Reviewing Author