How Should Varicella Be Treated in Pregnant Women?
The best approach to maternal varicella is prevention. If you are of reproductive age, you should be assessed for immunity to varicella. Ideally, this should occur before you try to get pregnant. Vaccination If you are susceptible-and especially if you are likely to be exposed to varicella at home or at work-your doctor will administer the new varicella vaccine. Varivax (Merck) is a weakened version of the live virus and is about 70 to 80% effective in protecting against infection. Individuals over the age of 12 should receive two vaccine shots, four to eight weeks apart. The cost of each dose is approximately $45to $60. The varicella vaccine can be administered simultaneously with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization. However, it should not be given with blood or blood products (for example, rH-immune globulin), nor should the vaccine be given if you are pregnant, have immunodeficiency disorders (HIV infection), or have received systemic steroids in the past 30 days. Aft
