Health and Fitness File 8-27 Sep 1, 2008
Immunizations include varicella (Chicken Pox), DTaP, Td, polio, HIB, MMR and hepatitis B. Immunizations for adults include tetanus and hepatitis B. TB skin tests are offered by appointment only by calling (262) 835-6429. Clients must return to the health department 48-72 hours later for the test to be read. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Dr. Thomas H. Weller, 93; virologist won Nobel Prize for work on polio Aug 28, 2008
It was, Weller later wrote, "almost an afterthought." They had been trying to grow the varicella (chickenpox) virus in a mixture of human embryonic nerve, skin, muscle and gut cells ... With the varicella experiments going nowhere, the team decided to lace some of its culture media with a polio strain stored in the laboratory refrigerator. (Los Angeles Times)
ZOSTAVAX(TM) approved in Canada - The first and only vaccine for the prevention of shingles Aug 26, 2008
"In fact, two out of three cases of shingles occur in people over 50. This newest adult vaccine will contribute to keeping Canadian adults healthy and active." 64 per cent efficacy in people aged 60 to 69 ZOSTAVAX(TM) is a powder form of the Oka/Merck strain of live varicella-zoster virus that is attenuated, meaning it can no longer cause disease. The vaccine uses essentially the same ingredients as VARIVAX(R), Merck Frosst's chickenpox vaccine, but has higher potency in order to induce a... (Canada Newswire)
Experts at Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group Offer Tips for a Healthy Transition Back-To-School Aug 26, 2008
In addition to proof of inoculation against communicable diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B and varicella, many states now require that students entering kindergarten and certain grade levels undergo vision, hearing and dental examinations. "These assessments are integral in the detection of health conditions that could cause serious illness," says Chandra. (PR Newswire)
Seventh graders get 30-day grace period for shots Aug 23, 2008
Parents of the children who are affected will receive notification on the first day of school (Monday, August 25) that their child needs the Tdap, Hepatitis A, or Varicella vaccinations. Parents have until September 22 for the required vaccinations. (KRNV.com, NV)
WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 is 'On Your Side' With Healthy Living For Kids; Free Immunizations for Children on Sunday, August 24 at Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Aug 21, 2008
Eligible children three months and older will be given free immunizations against polio, rubella, measles, mumps, tetanus, varicella (chicken pox), diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type B). In addition, HPV (Human Papillomavirus) a vaccine designed to prevent cervical cancer will also be administered. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Watertown Public Schools start Sept. 4 Aug 20, 2008
Varicella (chicken pox) All students entering preschool, kindergarten and grade seven must have had the vaccine or proof of having had the illness from their doctor. Physical examination All students entering kindergarten must have had a recent physical exam (within six months of entry or within the first six months of the start of school) by a licensed Massachusetts practitioner. (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
Nurse’s Notes - For kids, it’s time for school, immunizations Aug 20, 2008
Missoula County schoolchildren 4 to 6 years old will need the following immunizations: DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis); IPV (poliovirus); MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), Varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenza). Children 11 to 12 years old will need Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis) and perhaps a second MMR. Many vaccines require a series of injections to be fully immunized against a particular disease. (Missoulian, MT)
Don’t be complacent about vaccinations Aug 19, 2008
A booster dose of VZV (varicella/chicken pox) is a great idea too ... They may also need vaccines against hepatitis A, hepatitis B and varicella if they missed those in early childhood. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Immunizations important for school-age children's health Aug 17, 2008
"This year is especially important because two doses of Varicella (chicken pox) are required for kindergarten," she said. August is Immunization Awareness Month, set aside to remind the community of the importance of immunizations in light of some parents' fears that the childhood vaccination for measles-mumps-rubella may be linked to autism. (Florida Times-Union)
ISBE and IDPH remind parents about school immunizations Aug 16, 2008
Required immunizations include diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B and varicella. In addition to immunizations, all students now enrolling in kindergarten in a public or private school and any student enrolling for the first time in Illinois must have an eye examination. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Vaccines and Vaccine-Preventable Di... Aug 12, 2008
Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine is available in only one brand: Varivax by Merck. Immunization Schedules. (Suite101.com)
Alternative Vaccination Schedules Aug 12, 2008
Varicella (Chickenpox). Hepatitis A (HepA). (Suite101.com)
Immunizations important for schoolchildren Aug 7, 2008
A new requirement for students entering the seventh grade for the 2008-2009 school term is that they show documentation either of the date they had chicken pox disease or the date they received the varicella vaccine that protects against chicken pox ... Parents should make sure their adolescents and young adult children heading off to college are up to date on MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella, and hepatitis A and B vaccines. (Andalusia Star News, AL)
A shot at immunization Aug 5, 2008
Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, or documented history of the disease, is required to attend pre-school through third grade. The required immunizations are available at the Duval County Health Department's Immunization Center at 5220 N. Pearl St., (904) 253-1420. (Florida Times-Union)
Herpes Simplex and Varicella Zoster Aug 3, 2008
The varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the underlying cause for two conditions. Initially, the virus causes chickenpox, also called varicella, in childhood ... Vaccinations for varicella in children (varicella vaccine) and for shingles in adults (varicella-zoster vaccine, also called Zostavax) are available as preventive measures. (Suite101.com)
Return of school just around bend Jul 31, 2008
Kindergartners must also have hepatitis B and varicella immunizations. Students will not be enrolled or readmitted without immunization records first being verified by the school nurse. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Health department encourages school-aged vaccinations Jul 28, 2008
Varicella (chicken pox): One dose required through fifth grade, unless proof of prior varicella disease is provided ... She said MMR and varicella are the only two live vaccinations that the health department carries. (Leavenworth Times, KS)
Nurses available at all post schools Jul 25, 2008
In addition, immunizations against varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis B are required for all students entering kindergarten through fifth grade. One varicella vaccine is required for all students entering kindergarten through grade 5 ... A second catch-up dose of varicella is recommended for all children and adolescents who previously had received one dose to improve individual protection against varicella for more rapid impact on school outbreaks. (Leavenworth Lamp, KS)
New approach will finally kill herpes Jul 4, 2008
Herpes simplex 1 or HSV-1 causes cold sores, HSV-2 causes genital herpes, while varicella causes chicken pox and returns in middle or old age as herpes zoster to cause shingles. More Health/Sci. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
New Hope against the Cold Sore Virus Jul 4, 2008
Nevertheless, the findings could apply to the whole range of herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 2, which causes genital herpes, and the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and a more chronic, painful condition known as shingles. In fact, Umbach said, the Duke group plans to target the shingles virus in their next round of research. (MEDLINEplus)
Shingles vaccine costly, hard to find for seniors Jun 29, 2008
Zostavax can prevent or reduce the impact of shingles, which occurs when the varicella zoster virus, or VZV, which causes chicken pox, re-emerges decades later as a painful nerve infection typified by clusters of blisters that can last weeks, months and, in some cases, become chronic and debilitating. The CDC said a million cases of shingles occur nationwide each year, with 95 percent of all adults at risk. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Avoid the Back-to-School immunization rush Jun 20, 2008
Hepatitis A vaccine, with the first dose due at 12 months of age and the second dose due six to 18 months later Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine by 19 months of age One dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine due at 12 to 15 months of age or a statement from the parent or doctor confirming the child had chickenpox disease ... Two doses of MMR vaccine Two doses of hepatitis A vaccine Two or three doses of hepatitis B vaccine (Adolescents 11 through 15 years of age can receive a two-dose series)... (Alva Review Courier, OK)
More measles reported Jun 4, 2008
Grant County Health officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny is requiring all students, staff and volunteers to show proof of two doses of varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or other documentation of immunity or they will be excluded. The Health District has been providing varicella shots at no cost for these students and will continue to do so, Brzezny stated. (Grand Coulee Star, WA)
Rio Rancho school registration 101 Jun 1, 2008
Varicella (Chickenpox). Grades K-6 only Students entering kindergarten: two doses after the child s first birthday with at least 28 days between first and second dose, grades 1-6: one dose; or for all grade levels written proof child is immune or has had disease (preferably medical or laboratory record). (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
Pox protection May 28, 2008
CHICKEN pox (varicella) is a common infection that affects almost every one. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is a DNA virus of the herpes virus family ... Varicella is very infectious and is found worldwide. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Shingles Vaccine Available May 24, 2008
Friesen added that the same virus, varicella zoster that causes chickenpox, also causes shingles If a person gets the chickenpox, the virus remains in their body and it can come back years later as shingles. This can be devastating for older folks, especially those with weak immune systems, added Friesen. (KWTX.com, TX)
Dermatologists Link Family History To Shingles Susceptibility May 23, 2008
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus ... 8, 2005) The varicella vaccine is almost 90 percent effective against chickenpox, but its impact on herpes zoster (shingles) is unknown and needs wider surveillance, Yale School of Medicine researchers write. (Science Daily)
Vulnerability to Shingles May Hinge on Family May 22, 2008
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, causes nerve pain that occurs when the chickenpox virus (varicella zoster) is reactivated in spinal nerves. Most adults carry the varicella zoster virus, but only 10 percent to 30 percent develop shingles, according to background information in the study. (U.S. News & World Report)
Shingles Seen to Run in Families May 21, 2008
Shingles is caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and then lays dormant in nerve fibers. When it's reactivated, often by trauma or stress, the virus can produce a very painful skin eruption. (MEDLINEplus)
CDC gets behind shingles shot May 21, 2008
The vaccine is already covered by Medicare Part D, according to the CDC. Shingles, which usually surfaces as a rash on one side of the face or body, is caused by varicella zoster, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays in the body and can reappear as shingles later in life, causing severe pain that may last for weeks, months or even years. (Salt Lake Tribune)
Tool creates personalized catch-up immunization schedules for missed childhood vaccinations May 21, 2008
The vaccines included in the scheduler are those required between birth and six years of age: Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Pneumococcal, Inactivated Poliovirus, Measles/Mumps/Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis A and Meningococcal. Influenza is contained in the recommended schedule, but is not included in the scheduler. (EurekAlert!)
Over 60? New Shingles Vaccine Highly Recommended May 18, 2008
The vaccine reduces the incidence of painful shingles, also known as herpes zoster, which is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). VZV causes the childhood disease, chickenpox, and anyone who has ever had chickenpox can become infected with shingles. (MedHeadlines)
Shingles vaccine urged for older travelers May 16, 2008
The CDC said about 95 percent of all people are infected by the varicella zoster virus, or VZV, in their lifetime, which causes the common childhood disease chicken pox. But after the childhood episode passes, the virus goes dormant within the nerves and can reactivate later in life to cause shingles. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Importance of immunizations being highlighted May 2, 2008
Infant immunization is extremely important and begins a lifetime of good health," said Iowa Department of Public Health acting Bureau of Disease Prevention and Immunization Chief Don Callaghan. IDPH works to ensure all Iowa children, regardless of income or insurance, are properly vaccinated. The IDPH Immunization Program purchases and distributes vaccine to public and private health care providers through the Vaccines for Children Program. Approximately 257,000 Iowans ages 18 and younger are... (Fairfield Daily Ledger, IA)
Chickenpox reported in area May 2, 2008
Chickenpox or varicella is a common childhood disease that occurs in small clusters throughout every community ... Anyone who has been exposed to the varicella causing virus and is pregnant or immunocompromised should consult their health care provider ... We recommend that anyone who has never had chickenpox contact their health care provider or the Moniteau County Health Center at 573-796-3412 to discuss the use of varicella vaccine. (California Democrat, MO)
Bill Would Allow Parents To Opt Out Of Vaccines May 2, 2008
"He started to bounce back and one month later he had the chicken pox [varicella] vaccine, and he was 'off' again," Ferrara said. "Two months after that he had the DTap [diptheria, tetanus and pertussis], HiB [haemophilus influenzae type B], IPV [polio], and Prevnar [which prevents against certain pneumococcal diseases], all in one day. That was the straw that broke the camel's back. He was completely gone after that." Over the past four years, Ferrara said she has absorbed so much more... (Suffolk Life Newspapers, NY)
Head Start taking enrollment applications Apr 20, 2008
According to state law, no child may attend until they have received the HIB, MMR, DPT, Hep A, Hep B, Varicella, and Polio vaccines or be currently in the process of getting them. The Head Start Program is for 3 and 4 year old children whose families meet the Federal Income Guidelines and for children with disabilities. (Alva Review Courier, OK)
Register, ride at Helping Hearts Poker Run today Apr 20, 2008
A certificate of immunization for the communicable disease of poliomyelitis, mumps, diptheria, rubeola, rubella, pertussis, tetanus, varicella, and hepatitis B also is required. The Health Department will administer free shots for children who will be 5 by Sept. 1. (Florida Times-Union)
The point of prevention Apr 10, 2008
Health-care workers in NSW public health facilities who have direct patient contact or contact with infectious substances need protection against hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) and need to be screened for tuberculosis (TB) ... Chickenpox (varicella) Why you need it: To help prevent infection. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Five Solana Beach Students Diagnosed With Chicken Pox Apr 5, 2008
"This is the second varicella outbreak in one week and serves as a reminder of the importance of getting the chicken pox vaccine for protection against the disease," county public health officer Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., said. Earlier this week, five students were diagnosed with chicken pox at Sycamore Ridge School in Del Mar. (NBCSandiego.com, CA)
Register for kindergarten, apply for prekindergarten in Chesterfield County Mar 26, 2008
Documentation of vaccine series is required for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP), polio and hepatitis B. Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine is required for children who have not already had the disease. The child's Social Security number is requested, and parents must bring one of these proofs of county residency: * lease for at least one year or deed of a residence or property in Chesterfield County. (Petersburg Progress Index, VA)
Kindergarten students and their parents called out Mar 18, 2008
The child will not be allowed to attend school until immunization requirements are met DPT 5 doses, Polio 4 doses, MMR 2 doses, Hepatitis B 3 doses, Varicella 1 dose. Call the school at 866-5411 to enroll your child and receive a registration packette. (Rensselaer Republican, IN)
U.S. Health Officials Back Off Preference for New MMRV Vaccine Mar 15, 2008
THURSDAY, March 13 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. health officials are no longer recommending the combination MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine over the MMR vaccine and a separate varicella vaccine for kids ... But the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD), which monitors vaccine safety, detected a signal for increased seizures in children aged 12 to 23 months who got the MMRV shot compared with those who got the MMR one (many children also got varicella) ... The VSD then initiated a study... (MEDLINEplus)
Vaccination laws will change next fall Mar 9, 2008
- Why are new Tdap and varicella (chickenpox) requirements being made ... Two doses of varicella vaccine have been shown to be more effective than one dose in preventing breakthrough disease cases of chickenpox in children of all age groups ... Recommendations for both Tdap and varicella vaccines are made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Gridley Kindergarten registration Mar 8, 2008
At the time of registration, parents must bring the child's birth certificate, and a verification card from the family doctor indicating that the child has been administered the minimum required series of three polio immunizations, four D.P.T. immunizations, (however, if the last polio or D.P.T. vaccination was given before the fourth birthday, a booster is needed), two measles-mumps-rubella vaccinations, three Hepatitis B vaccinations, and one dose of Varicella chickenpox (or documentation from... (Gridley Herald, CA)
Kids' Flu Vaccine Can Be Given with Other Shots Mar 5, 2008
In the new study, conducted by Dr. Terry Nolan of the University of Melbourne, Australia and colleagues, 1245 children in the US and Australia, ages 12 to 15 months, were randomly assigned to one of three groups in which the nasal flu vaccine was given before, after, or along with MMR and varicella vaccines. The researchers found that the immunity provided by the three vaccines, as their safety, remained unchanged no matter whether they were given sequentially or concurrently. (MEDLINEplus)
Chicken Pox In Isle Of Wight Feb 27, 2008
There have been several reported cases of chickenpox (varicella) in Isle of Wight County Schools this winter ... Chickenpox is a contagious disease that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. (WTKR.com, VA)
Chicken Pox Outbreaks Reported At Two Schools Feb 23, 2008
SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reports that nine students at Dailard Elementary School in the San Diego Unified School District and 9 students at National City Middle School in the Sweetwater Union School District have been diagnosed with chicken pox (varicella) ... Chicken pox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella virus. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Kindergarten registration and screening Feb 22, 2008
Parents are reminded that Massachusetts State Law requires that before children are allowed to enter the public schools, proof must be provided that they have been immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and varicella. Parents are also required to provide proof of lead screening, a current physical and vision testing. (Saugus Advertiser, MA)
Debate regarding appropriateness of novel dominates much of meeting Feb 21, 2008
Also, chicken pox (aka varicella) vaccine or proof of the disease prior to school entry is required. Unanimously approved a proposal to offer rent-free housing as an additional incentive to bring Teaching Fellows highly-trained novice teachers working through the University of Missouri scholarship program to the district. (Mexico Ledger, MO)
Shingles, adult whooping cough vaccines underused Feb 18, 2008
The pain starts as the varicella zoster virus re-emerges in someone who has had chickenpox. The virus travels down nerve cells to the skin, where it typically causes a one-sided rash on the face or trunk. (USA Today -- News)
Adult vaccines: What you may need Feb 12, 2008
Casper Star-Tribune Online - Casper. Text Size Share This Story. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Local student learns at Centers for Disease Control Feb 8, 2008
In Atlanta, Laura spent time in the HIV lab, the outbreak and biofilms lab (outbreaks such as MRSA, a bacterium responsible for difficult to treat infections in humans); flu lab; special pathogens lab; Varicella Zoster labs (VZV is a herpes virus that causes chickenpox and shingles); enteric bacteria and food outbreak labs, and polio research labs. The labs are operated by the National Center for Infectious Diseases or the Center for Complex Infectious Diseases, both arms of the CDC. "Being in... (Storm Lake Pilot Tribune, IA)
Rankin County kindergarten registration set Jan 29, 2008
Have a completed immunization record from a health department or a doctor, including two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and two doses of Varicella vaccine, unless the child has a history of chicken pox. Have a parent present two proofs of residency, one from each group a mortgage, lease or homestead exemption application; and a utility bill, auto registration or drivers license. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Prednisolone or Acyclovir in Bell’s Palsy Jan 17, 2008
Since zoster sine herpete which can mimic the signs and symptoms of Bell's palsy caused by varicella zoster virus has an incidence rate of up to 34% among patients with "Bell's palsy,"3 information. . (New England Journal of Medicine)
Shingles Sends 1 Million to Doctors Each Year Jan 16, 2008
Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus, which also causes chicken pox. It is a herpes virus that can linger in the body for decades, becoming reactivated when the immune system is suppressed. (MEDLINEplus)
Chicken pox plagues WCV despite vaccinations Jan 11, 2008
"It has not been choosy, as it is scattered throughout the elementary grades. I have contacted the county nurses to be informed that it is recommended to have a second Varicella vaccine (started summer 2006). It is not law but highly recommended due to the break through cases being reported." In fact, the Dexter elementary reports 14 kids absent Friday, Jan. 4, seven of whom confirmed with the chicken pox ... While attendance has pretty much stabilized, parents in the district are being warned... (Mid Iowa Enterprise, IA)
Mayo Clinic Article Offers Data About Shingles Virus Jan 4, 2008
Also known as herpes zoster, shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox ... 8, 2005) The varicella vaccine is almost 90 percent effective against chickenpox, but its impact on herpes zoster (shingles) is unknown and needs wider surveillance, Yale School of Medicine researchers write ... 19, 2006) A team of scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has... (Science Daily)
Inhibitex: Shingles drug tests well Dec 16, 2007
Published in vitro studies have shown FV-100 is more potent against and can inhibit the replication of varicella zoster virus, the virus that causes shingles, faster than other antiviral therapeutics currently used to treat shingles. Inhibitex believes these characteristics provide the potential for FV-100 to be dosed once-a-day and to reduce the incidence or severity of shingles-related symptoms, including acute pain and post herpetic neuralgia. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
Eight students in one school get chicken pox Dec 8, 2007
Chicken pox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella virus. The disease can spread quickly through coughing, sneezing or contact with chicken pox blisters. (North County Times)
Health and Fitness File Nov. 28 Nov 29, 2007
Immunizations include varicella (Chicken Pox), DTaP, Td, polio, HIB, MMR and hepatitis B. Immunizations for adults include tetanus and hepatitis B. TB skin tests are offered by appointment only by calling (262) 835-6429. Clients must return to the health department 48-72 hours later for the test to be read. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Chicken Pox Vaccination Should Be Introduced For Children In The UK, Researchers Urge Nov 19, 2007
The simplest strategy would be to switch from the triple MMR vaccine to one that also included immunity against chickenpox (varicella), using the recently licensed MMRV jab, say the authors ... But varicella vaccine could be offered to all teenagers who have not yet been infected ... This child presented with the characteristic pancorporeal varicella, or chickenpox lesions. (Science Daily)
Shots up to date? Nov 17, 2007
Are your child's shots up-to-date. - Kids and parenting- msnbc. (MSNBC -- Health)
Number Of Cases Of Most Vaccine-preventable Diseases In US At All-time Low Nov 16, 2007
The diseases were diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella (including congenital rubella syndrome), invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), acute hepatitis B, hepatitis A, varicella (chickenpox), Streptococcus pneumoniae and smallpox ... 9 percent in deaths for varicella ... 0 percent for varicella. (Science Daily)
