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Varicella vaccine may prevent postexposure development of chickenpox
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Data from a recently published study demonstrate the potential efficacy of varicella vaccines in attenuating varicella following exposure to the disease, showing about 79.4% effectiveness in preventing moderate to severe cases when administered within the first five days of exposure.
Researchers from Hospital Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona, Spain conducted a prospective cohort study involving 67 participants — 21 were children — who were deemed susceptible to varicella due to lack of vaccination, past negative reactions and recent household exposure to the disease.
According to the researchers, 45 participants did not develop any type of varicella, 10 developed mild disease and 12 developed moderate disease. No participants reported cases of severe disease. There was no difference in effectiveness between the pediatric and adult age groups, or between patients vaccinated at different times after exposure up to five days post-exposure. –by Melissa Foster
Brotons M. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2010; 29:10-13.
This group of Spanish investigators has identified an important clinical area where additional study has been needed. Their trial found that the commercially available varicella vaccine is effective in preventing or moderating varicella disease when administered as postexposure prophylaxis. While limited by its prospective cohort design utilizing historical controls, the data nevertheless are reassuring that our recommendations are correct to consider vaccinating people who lack evidence of immunity 12 months of age or older, including adults, as soon as possible within 72 hours and possibly up to 120 hours after varicella exposure to prevent or modify disease.
– David W. Kimberlin, MD
Infectious Diseases in Children Editorial
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