Is there any preventive treatment available after exposure to chickenpox for susceptible persons who are not eligible to receive chickenpox vaccine?
Yes, varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) can prevent or modify disease after exposure to someone with chickenpox. However, because it is costly and only provides temporary protection, VZIG is only recommended for persons at high risk of developing severe disease who are not eligible to receive chickenpox vaccine. These individuals include: • Newborns whose mothers have chickenpox 5 days prior to 2 days after delivery • Premature babies exposed to varicella in the first month of life • Children with leukemia or lymphoma who have not been vaccinated • Persons with cellular immunodeficiencies or other immune system problems • Persons receiving medications, such as high-dose systemic steroids, that suppress the immune system • Women who are pregnant VZIG should be administered as soon as possible, but no later than 96 hours, after exposure to chickenpox. If you have had a varicella exposure and you fit into one of these groups, contact your doctor. The only U.S.-licensed manufacturer o
Yes, varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) can prevent or modify disease after exposure (coming into close contact with a case). However because it is costly and only provides temporary protection, VZIG is only recommended for persons at high risk of developing severe disease. Such persons are not eligible to receive chickenpox vaccine. They include: • Newborns whose mothers have chickenpox 5 days prior to 2 days after delivery; • Children with leukemia or lymphoma who have not been vaccinated; • Persons with cellular immunodeficiencies or other immune problems; • Persons receiving drugs, including steroids, that suppress the immune system; and, • Pregnant women. VZIG should be administered as soon as possible, but no later than 96 hours after exposure to chickenpox. If you have had a varicella exposure and you fit into one of these groups, contact your doctor.
