Re: chicken pox vaccine

Posted By HFHS.L.M.M.D. on December 11, 1998 at 23:43:53:

In Reply to: chicken pox vaccine posted by Tina on December 09, 1998 at 12:24:22:






Hi
I have been researching the chicken pox vaccine and have a few questions.
1) Does the vaccine offer permanent immunity? I have read that the vaccine provides temporary immunity to the virus leading to speculation that children vaccinated will likely end up with chicken pox as adults (which is so much more serious) when their immunity terminates.
2) My husband has never had the chicken pox. He will have blood work done to determine whether he has antibodies against the virus. If he does not have the antibodies I would like for him to get immunized. However, I am 4 months pregnant (I had chicken pox as a child). When would be an appropriate time for him to get vaccinated? Since it is a live virus does it pose any threat to our unborn baby even though I have already had them? Would it be wise to wait until the child is at least 1 year of age?

Many thanks in advance.
Tina
Dear Tina :
Research on the varicella vaccine long-term benefits are still in progress . For now , literature confirms the immunity to be ( at least ) up to 10 years in > 90% of the immunized cases .
As a pediatrician , I would follow the AAP recommendations for varicella vaccine immunization in children ( you may find it on the following website  http://www.aap.org/policy/00787.html ).
It generally recommends to "defer immunization of a child - or any other family member -with a pregnant mother if she was not sure of her immunity status ( i.e Susceptible ), at least until the third trimester or until after delivery , if feasible ".
L.M
Disclaimer : this information is for educational purposes only . It is not intended as a formal medical recommendation . Please refer to your physician for further management and care plan .
Thank you for your question
Keywords : Varicella vaccine* ( preventive pediatrics )