Immunization Newsbriefs (c) Copyright Information Inc.,
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July 31, 2002
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Chickenpox Vaccine Launched"
Press Association (UK) (www.pressassociation.press.net)
(07/31/02); Wheldon, Julie
GlaxoSmithKline's Varilrix chickenpox vaccine will be launched
today for widespread use in the U.K. market. Previously, a
chickenpox vaccine was available in the United Kingdom only for
high-risk individuals. British health officials praised the
availability of a licensed varicella vaccine, noting that it
"could be used more widely, particularly in hospitals, to protect
vulnerable patients from infection." Studies show that 10
percent of adults are not immune to chickenpox, and thus could be
at risk of becoming infected and passing it on to others, and
about 20 adults in the United Kingdom die from the infectious
disease every year.
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