OVERVIEW
Chickenpox refers to an infectious condition that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is important to distinguish chickenpox (the initial VZV infection) from shingles (the re-activation of the VZV virus in a host).
HOW DO WE PREVENT IT?
Varicella post exposure prophylaxis: patients wo do not have a history of immunity (prior infection or 2 doses of the vaccine) and have been exposed to VZV will receive different types of prophylaxis depending upon their immunocompetence.
- Immunocompetent children will receive the varicella vaccine
- Immunocompromised children will receive varicella immunoglobulin (VZIG).
Page Updated: 11.21.2016