Can a child suffering from leukemia be immunized against varicella?
Children with acute leukemia are at an enhanced risk of developing progressive varicella infection and severe complications if they come in contact with a case of varicella. This is due to their immunocompromised state. However, for the same reason, administration of a live, attenuated vaccine like varicella vaccine is contra-indicated in children with acute leukemia. Leukemia children should receive vaccine if they have no history of disease or are found to be seronegative. This can be undertaken only when they are in complete hematological remission, the total lymphocyte count is at least 1200 per mm and when there is no other evidence of lack of cellular immune competence. While vaccinating such children, it is advised that maintenance therapy be withheld one week before and after the immunization. Patients under radiotherapy should normally not be vaccinated during the treatment phase. What future developments can one expect with regards to varicella vaccine ? Exciting developments
