CHICKENPOX IMMUNIZATION IN NEW-ZEALAND

Prevention The appropriate use of varicella vaccine, effective in the prevention of chickenpox, has been considered by a Ministry of Wealth Working Party in 1996 and 1997, including discussion at a workshop hel d in Wellington, 26-27 June 1996. The introduction of varicella vaccin e into the routine childhood immunisation schedule was not supported a t this stage. The use of the only varicella vaccine for which the Mini ster of Health has given consent for distribution in New Zealand, Vari lrix(R) (SmithKline Beecham Limited), in healthy children aged nine mo nths to 13 years inclusive, was supported. Consent has not been given for the use of Varilrix(R) in immunocompromised people or in adults. T his report discusses other groups that could be candidates for vaccina tion, such as children with deteriorating renal function and susceptib le health care workers who regularly come into contact with especially vulnerable patients. In these cases, the vaccine would need to be adm inistered on a named patient basis. The use of Varilrix(R) in immunoco mpromised people was not supported. Surveillance Enhanced surveillance of chickenpox and tester are required in New Zealand. Adverse reactio ns to Varilrix(R) should be carefully monitored. Outbreak control Ther e are insufficient data at present to support the use of Varilrix(R) i n outbreak control. The frequency, cost and current management of noso comial outbreaks should be ascertained. This information may also assi st in the decision whether to incorporate a varicella vaccine into the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the future.