Immunization Newsbriefs (c) Copyright Information Inc., Bethesda, MD. Brought to you by the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii). Visit NNii's new website at http://www.immunizationinfo.org.

------------------------------------------------------------

October 21, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Vaccine Helps Adults Avoid Chickenpox"

Chicago Tribune (www.chicagotribune.com) (10/20/02) P. Q12; Uhlenhuth, Karen

In 2000, 68 percent of children between the ages of 19 months and 35 months received the chickenpox vaccine, which became available in 1995, and if it remains effective in preventing the illness, the number of adults who die due to chickenpox-related complications will significantly drop in the next two decades. Most adults have chickenpox antibodies due to exposure to the vaccine, but about 1 adult in 1,000 adults was never exposed to or vaccinated against the illness.  Chickenpox infections in adults are significantly more serious and life-threatening than infections in children.  Adults who are tested and found not to have chickenpox antibodies should receive the vaccination to prevent future infection.

Vaccination News Home Page

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.