infectious diseases
Varicella Vaccine
Dose and Administration of Varicella Vaccine
The varicella vaccine dose is 0.5 mL given subcutaneously in 2 doses: at age 12 to 15 months and at age 4 to 6 years. If children, adolescents, or adults have been given only 1 dose, a catch-up dose is recommended. The recommended minimum interval between the first dose and the catch-up second dose is 3 months for children aged ≤ 12 years and 4 weeks for people aged ≥ 13 years; the second dose may be given at any interval longer than the minimum. If adults think that they have not had varicella or are likely to be exposed to or to transmit varicella, levels of protective antibodies should be measured to check for evidence of immunity and thus determine the need for vaccination. No immune globulins, particularlyvaricella-zoster immune globulin, should be given within 5 months before or 2 months after vaccination because immune globulins may prevent development of protective antibodies. Eligible children with HIV infection are given 2 doses of single-antigen varicella vaccine 3 months apart. Because impaired cellular immunity increases the risk of complications after vaccination with a live vaccine, these children should be encouraged to return for evaluation if a varicella-like rash develops after vaccination. Prenatal assessment of women for evidence of varicella immunity is indicated. Birth before 1980 is not considered evidence of immunity for pregnant women. After completion or termination of pregnancy, women who do not have evidence of immunity should be given the first dose of vaccine before discharge and the second dose 4 to 8 weeks later, usually at the postpartum visit. Women should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant for 1 month after each dose. 