Shingles and Chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster Virus) - Vaccination

This does not necessarily mean, however, that children who are vaccinated eventually lose total immunity. A breakthrough infection is often due to issues with the primary vaccine (improper storage, low potency) or the child's history (having asthma, being less than 14 months at the time of vaccination). Nevertheless, there is also some evidence that either having the vaccination or even having chickenpox itself is not as protective against a later infection as experts have thought.

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Long-Term Protection in Vaccinated Adults. The protective effect for adults is even less clear. An encouraging 2002 study of adults vaccinated between 1979 and 1999 reported that although 9% developed chickenpox months to years after their last vaccination, in all cases, infection was mild, with none of the serious complications of adult chickenpox. A 2003 study on booster shots in older adults suggests that revaccination with the live virus is safe and effective.

Vaccine's Effect on Shingles. A primary concern is whether the vaccine protects against shingles later on, particularly in people who have breakthrough infections--however mild. As more and more children get vaccinated, the actual protection of the vaccine and the implication of the breakthrough infection will become clearer.[For more information, seeWell-Connected Report #90, Immunizations.]

Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin

Varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) is a substance that triggers an immune response against the varicella-zoster virus. It is used to protect high-risk patients who are exposed to chickenpox, or those who cannot receive a vaccination of the live virus. Such groups include: