A Pregnant Woman with Intrauterine Fetal Death Aug 30, 2007
She had had varicella and had received bacille Calmette Gu;rin (BCG) vaccine as a child. Four years earlier, a tuberculin skin test had been positive, and a chest radiograph had been negative; she had received antituberculosis medication for 6 months. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Motives Behind Vaccine Requirements Questioned Aug 23, 2007
In addition, Pospisil said, "we anticipate that there will be a new requirement regarding a booster dose for varicella - chicken pox - in the near future." Although notice of the new immunization requirements was announced in spring 2007, time is running out for those students who have not updated their immunizations to meet the new requirements by the state ... But Palevsky argues that the main reason for giving children the varicella vaccine is purely economic. (Suffolk Life Newspapers, NY)
Students need vaccinations Aug 22, 2007
Students in grades pre-K to six must also receive the varicella, or chickenpox, vaccine. This is the first year that students in sixth grade must have the varicella vaccine. (The Palm Beach Post)
WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 Is 'On Your Side' with Healthy Living for Kids; Free Immunizations for Children on Sunday, August 26 at Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Aug 22, 2007
Eligible children three months and older will be given free immunizations against polio, rubella, measles, mumps, tetanus, varicella (chicken pox), diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), HPV (Human Papillomavirus), Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type B). New this is year is the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
K-1 students not required to have second chicken pox dose, KDHE officials say Aug 18, 2007
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced that the second varicella (chicken pox) vaccination for kindergarten through first grade students is not required for the 2007-2008 school year. According to KDHE director of communications Joe Blubaugh, the new requirement was lifted because the law states that students must be "fully vaccinated" and does not specify the number of doses. (Abilene Recorder Chronicle)
Shots, boosters necessary before school Aug 15, 2007
In addition, the Lewis and Clark Health Department says it s a good time to get the second dose of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine for both age groups. Not Yet Rated. (Helena Independent Record)
Parents reminded to get children immunized Aug 12, 2007
Those include against polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and varicella. The state law mandating immunizations for all those diseases has been in place since 2003. (Santa Maria Times)
Are your kids ready? Aug 11, 2007
Varicella chicken pox, or if your child has had chicken pox, must have pediatrician-signed verification of this ... Second dose of varicella vaccine, if they have not already had it by now ... Varicella (second dose if haven't already had it). (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Learn necessary vaccines for adults, kids Aug 9, 2007
Call to schedule varicella (chickenpox) vaccine to be given at clinics outside of Chippewa Falls. For more information contact the Chippewa County Department of Public Health at (715) 726-7900 or (800) 400-3678. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
County schedules immunization clinics Aug 9, 2007
Before entering kindergarten, children must have a total of five shots of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), four of polio, three of hepatitis B, two of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and one of varicella (chickenpox). The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that preteens and young adults get the following immunizations. (The Exeter Sun, CA)
A Pregnant Woman with Altered Mental Status Aug 9, 2007
Serologic tests for varicella zoster virus and rubella IgG were positive. Two weeks later, an endocervical specimen was positive for Chlamydia trachomatis infection and negative for gonorrhea. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Complexity, cost leave over mln US kids unvaccined Aug 8, 2007
Five states said they lacked funds to provide hepatitis A vaccines and two states did not supply varicella vaccine or Tdap. They reported that 10 states between 2004 and early 2006 changed their rules to limit public purchases of selected vaccines for residents whose insurance policies do not cover vaccines and often carry high deductibles. (Xinhua)
North San Diego County School News Briefs: Student named to dean's list Aug 8, 2007
Any child entering a California school at kindergarten level, or first grade if kindergarten was skipped, and any older child under 18 from out of state or out of the country who enters a California school for the first time is required to have one dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, two doses for children 13 and older. Kindergarten children who have had chickenpox are required to provide verification of the disease from their medical provider. (North County Times)
Marion Unit Two releases details for start of school year Aug 3, 2007
n Children entering kindergarten also must show physician documentation of having chicken pox or having received the varicella immunization. n Kindergartners also must show proof of a lead screening test. (Marion Daily Republican, IL)
Students facing vaccine changes Aug 3, 2007
There is not currently a shortage of varicella vaccine ... Our nurse will be going through these forms to ensure that the second dose of the varicella containing vaccine and mump containing vaccine were appropriately administered and that the documentation is complete. (Calhoun Times, GA)
* DOH seeks expansion of government sponsored immunization program Jul 29, 2007
The current list of vaccinations covered by the DOH includes the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP), polio, varicella, measles, mumps and rubella, Japanese encephalitis and influenza. The coverage includes four DTP shots, but the booster at six years of age is not yet covered. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Dalzell Schools Jul 28, 2007
All students entering kindergarten are required to have one dose of the varicella vaccine. A copy of a lead screening risk assessment is also required for kindergarten students. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Immunization requirements changing this school year Jul 26, 2007
The old immunization list still stands, with vaccinations required for Varicella (chickenpox), influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, pneumonia, polio, diptheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). This year, however, students without a history of chickenpox must get a second dose of the Varicella vaccine. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Make sure your child's shot records are up to date Jul 17, 2007
Varicella chicken pox, or if you your child has had chicken pox, nust have pediatrician-signed verification of this ... Second dose of varicella vaccine, if they have not already had it by now ... Varicella (second dose if haven't already had it). (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Avoid the Back to School rush for immunizations Jul 16, 2007
One dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine due at 12 months of age or a statement from the parent or doctor confirming the child had chickenpox disease ... One dose of varicella vaccine or a statement from the parent or doctor confirming the child had chickenpox disease ... A second dose of varicella vaccine is now recommended for all children and adolescents but is not required to attend school or childcare in Oklahoma. (Alva Review Courier, OK)
With school approaching, it's time to prepare for immunizations Jul 10, 2007
Immunizations required for preschool entry include a diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis series; a haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) vaccination; measles-mumps-rubella (MMR); a polio series and varicella. For entrance into kindergarten, children are required to have the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis series; a hepatitis B series; measles-mumps-rubella with two doses of measles vaccine, preferably as MMR; the polio series and varicella. (Gadsden County Times, FL)
Varicella–Zoster Vaccine Jul 5, 2007
NEJM -- Varicella-Zoster Vaccine ... Varicella Zoster Vaccine ... To the Editor: In their article about the varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccine for the prevention of herpes zoster, Kimberlin and Whitley (March 29 issue)1 mention that the frequency and type of serious adverse events were similar for the vaccinees and placebo recipients. (New England Journal of Medicine)
free immunization clinic students Jul 3, 2007
The vaccines required for 6th grade will be administered free of charge MMR, Varicella, Menactra, and Tdap. To be eligible for these vaccines free of charge, you must be going into the Upson-Lee sixth grade. (Thomaston Times, GA)
Cases of Hepatitis C Disease Continue to Increase in County Jun 28, 2007
Since January, 10 cases of chicken pox (Varicella) have been confirmed. It is a highly contagious virus that causes a skin rash of blisters that is spread through coughing and sneezing. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Varicella Vaccine Jun 21, 2007
To the Editor: Chaves et al. (March 15 issue)1 use complex statistical models, based on nonvalidated estimates and uncertain diagnoses, to conclude from epidemiologic data that vaccine-induced immunity to varicella zoster virus (VZV) wanes. Our data based on serologic testing indicate that primary vaccine failure is the main reason for breakthrough varicella infection in 15 to 20% of vaccinees; in 20 of 84 children (24%) who were given one dose of vaccine, VZV antibodies failed to develop. (New England Journal of Medicine)
News : Forest County Health Department recommends vaccines for children Jun 15, 2007
The vaccines for hepatitis B, polio, measles-mumps-rubella and varicella (chickenpox) should have been received between birth to five years of age. If your child has had the chickenpox disease, the vaccine is not required; however, all other vaccines are required for school entrance. (Forest Republican, WI)
by TIM HARE ACCHU releases quarterly health report Jun 8, 2007
But the jump was largely due to an aberration caused by a seasonal outbreak of influenza and, especially, varicella (chicken pox) in eastern sections of the county earlier this year. The varicella outbreak has since been effectively contained ... "But the varicella is definitely what we consider an outbreak." He added "We probably might have one or two on average" reported incidents of chicken pox per quarter. (Mexico Ledger, MO)
North San Diego County School News Briefs: OHS Football Reunion planned May 23, 2007
Any child entering a California school at kindergarten level, or first grade if kindergarten was skipped, and any older child younger than 18 from out of state or out of the country who enters a California school for the first time will be required to have one dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, two doses for children 13 and older. Kindergarten children who have had chickenpox are required to provide verification of the disease from their medical provider. (North County Times)
Vaccinations' sticking points May 19, 2007
As parents weigh information about the risks and benefits of vaccinations, it is critical that pediatricians ensure that they fully understand the risks the varicella virus poses to the most vulnerable in our communities ... According to the Centers for Disease Control, a single dose of varicella vaccine steadily wanes over time, and a second dose is required ... Resources need to be focused on ensuring that all adults and older children, who lack immunity to varicella, are properly immunized. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Vaccine-maker's problem means an extra shot May 16, 2007
Merck is the only U.S. source for vaccines against the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox in children and shingles in adults. Blake said Merck decided to shift available supply of the key vaccine ingredient against chickenpox - live but weakened varicella virus - from ProQuad to Varivax and its shingles vaccine, Zostavax. (Newsday -- Health)
Withholding vaccination puts everyone at risk May 14, 2007
The playgroup mom's 15-month-old was at risk because the mom had decided to separate the components of the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine normally given at the age of 12 months, likely in response to fear generated by the question of the vaccinations' relationship to autism. While delaying the vaccine until 15 months is acceptable according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, for this child it meant contracting the varicella virus, which causes chicken pox. (Boston Globe)
New immunizations required for 2007 - 2008 school year Apr 25, 2007
Additionally, effective August 1, 2007, children entering school for the first time will be required to have two doses of the Varicella vaccine (chickenpox vaccine) or a history of chickenpox. Both vaccines are available at all county health departments and from Vaccines for Children providers for a 10 administrative fee each. (Houston Times Post, MS)
New immunization requirements for children will be effective on July 1 Apr 24, 2007
These children must also have two doses of varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or documentation of disease or laboratory proof of immunity ... The addition of the booster doses for mumps and varicella (chicken pox) for kindergarten and sixth-graders will help to assure continued immunity from those diseases as well. (WWalker County Messenger, GA)
Tai Chi Enhances Immune Function Apr 23, 2007
This was demonstrated by blood tests showing that adults between the ages of 59-86 who practiced Tai Chi had increased immunity to shingles, a condition caused by a resurgence of the chicken pox (varicella zoster) virus compared to their peers who did not exercise but attended health education classes during the same timeframe [Practicing Tai Chi Boosts Immune System in Older Adults, Science Daily, March 24, 2007. A weakened immune system functions erratically, targeting the body s own proteins. (Suite101.com)
New study shows that tai chi strengthens immune systems in older adults Apr 23, 2007
But as people age, they become more vulnerable to the virus that is left behind by a case of chickenpox - the varicella virus, which causes shingles in one of five adults who have had chickenpox ... To test whether the practice of tai chi had an effect on immunity to varicella (and hence, to herpes zoster), Irwin divided the group of healthy adults in half ... Although all got a dose of varicella vaccine, half also received 120 minutes a week of tai chi for 16 weeks, while the other half got 120... (Sun-Sentinel.com)
Vaccine hasn't rubbed out chickenpox entirely Apr 22, 2007
The varicella vaccine was introduced in the United States in 1995 as a single shot given to children ages 12 to 18 months, and by many accounts, the program has been effective ... A federal government advisory committee last summer recommended adding a booster shot to the varicella vaccine regimen, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to publish a final recommendation this summer supporting the two-shot regimen ... "Varicella immunity has unique factors associated with... (Los Angeles Times)
Health department offers free shots Apr 19, 2007
If a child is currently enrolled in a 4-year-old Pre-K program and has a certificate marked as Complete for School , he may need to obtain the second doses of varicella and mumps vaccines and will need to submit documentation of meeting the new requirements on the Georgia Certificate of Immunization upon entry to school (five year old kindergarten) ... Have two doses of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or documentation of disease or laboratory proof of immunity. (Rockmart Journal, GA)
»Richmond kindergarten registration begins today Apr 17, 2007
Varicella (Chickenpox): Children entering kindergarten beginning 2006 must have one dose. In order to register for kindergarten, parents should be sure they bring the following items with them. (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
In Education Apr 11, 2007
a certificate of immunization for the communicable diseases of poliomyelitis, mumps, diphtheria, rubeola, rubella, pertussis, tetanus, varicella and hepatitis B; and. the child's Social Security card. (Florida Times-Union)
Tai Chi may help prevent shingles Apr 10, 2007
Shingles caused by the same varicella-zoster virus that also causes chickenpox is commonly experienced by older people whose immunity declines to a degree that the dormant virus gets activated, causing unbearable nerve pain ... Irwins research team has demonstrated that a centuries-old behavioral intervention, Tai Chi, resulted in a level of immune response similar to that of a modern biological intervention, the varicella vaccine, and that Tai Chi boosted the positive effects of the vaccine,... (Food Consumer)
Tai Chi boosts immunity to shingles virus in older adults, NIH-sponsored study reports Apr 7, 2007
Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese form of exercise, may help older adults avoid getting shingles by increasing immunity to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and boosting the immune response to varicella vaccine in older adults, according to a new study publishsed in print this week in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society ... "Dr. Irwin's research team has demonstrated that a centuries-old behavioral intervention, Tai Chi, resulted in a level of immune response similar to that of a modern... (EurekAlert!)
The sting in the needle Mar 29, 2007
Meanwhile, waning immunity to the chicken pox virus varicella - against which children are also now immunised - would pose a separate conundrum because infection takes a different form in older people, in whom it often appears as the phenomenally painful neurological condition shingles. Varicella vaccines for the elderly to prevent the shingles manifestation are under development. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Rotavirus vaccine coming for babies Mar 29, 2007
Other diseases for which infant immunisations are provided are: hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib (haemophilus influenza type b), pneumococcal, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal C and varicella (chicken pox). In a separate development, Mr Abbott has gone to Jakarta to discuss Indonesia's attempt to ban the release of a strain of bird flu virus to other countries for the development of a vaccine. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Kindergarten registration dates set Mar 29, 2007
Varicella (chicken pox) One. dose of varicella vaccine is. (Daily Triplicate)
Varicella–Zoster Vaccine for the Prevention of Herpes Zoster Mar 29, 2007
NEJM -- Varicella-Zoster Vaccine for the Prevention of Herpes Zoster ... Varicella Zoster Vaccine for the Prevention of Herpes Zoster. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Tai Chi Boosts Immune System Against Shingles Mar 27, 2007
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus. People who had chicken pox as children are susceptible to shingles. (MEDLINEplus)
Practicing Tai Chi Boosts Immune System In Older Adults Mar 25, 2007
The 25-week study, which involved a group of 112 adults ranging in age from 59 to 86, showed that practicing tai chi chih alone boosted immunity to a level comparable to having received the standard vaccine against the shingles-causing varicella zoster virus ... The varicella zoster virus is the cause of chickenpox in kids. (Science Daily)
Tai chi boosts elderly immune system against shingles Mar 24, 2007
NEW YORK (Reuters Life. - A slow-movement form of exercise known as tai chi can strengthen the immune system in the elderly and boost the potency of a vaccine against the virus that causes shingles, researchers said on Friday. (Reuters)
Vasculitis Update Mar 21, 2007
Organisms known to trigger vasculitis include hepatitis viruses, human immunodeficiency virus and parvovirus in panarteritis nodosa; streptococci, salmonella, yersinia, mycoplasma, parainfluenza, rotavirus, and human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) in Kawasaki s syndrome, and streptococci, staphylococci, yersinia, mycobacteriae, varicella zoster virus, hepatitis viruses B and C, cytomegalovirus and influenza virus in leukocytoclastic vasculitis including Schoenlein-Henoch s purpura. Drugs that may mimic... (Suite101.com)
FDA Approves Shingles Vaccine Mar 17, 2007
The illness is caused by varicella, the same virus that causes chickenpox ... The vaccine contains live but weakened varicella virus that could overwhelm the immune systems of those patients. (CBS News)
Varicella Vaccine Booster Needed Mar 17, 2007
ATLANTA, March 14 -- Varicella vaccine efficacy drops dramatically over time, according to surveillance data that contributed to the CDC's decision last year to recommend a booster ... Explain to interested patients that the varicella vaccine confers protection from chickenpox, but the immunity it grants fades over time ... The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children between the ages of four and six years receive a second dose of varicella vaccine with a second... (MedPage Today)
Chickenpox Vaccine Booster Shot a Good Idea Mar 16, 2007
A vaccine against varicella, the medical name for chickenpox, was introduced in 1995 with a recommendation that it be given during the first year of life ... "In general, the cases were very modified from natural varicella," she said ... "There was an 85 percent reduction in cases of varicella over 10 years.". (MEDLINEplus)
Two hired by health department Mar 16, 2007
The school required vaccines will include: Dtap, IPV, Hib, Prevnar, MMR, Varicella and Hepatitis B.. After July 1, insured children will not receive the recommended vaccines for school. (Brownstown Jackson County Banner, IN)
Chicken pox vaccine loses its punch, study finds Mar 16, 2007
Currently in Canada, it is recommended that all children receive the vaccine for chicken pox (also known as varicella) between 12 months and 18 months of age ... The risk of so-called breakthrough varicella increased to 58 ... Chicken pox, which is caused by a virus called varicella zoster, was, until recently, one of the most common childhood illnesses. (Globe and Mail)
Chickenpox vaccine effects fade over time Mar 15, 2007
The United States has been vaccinating against chickenpox, also known as varicella, since 1995. But tests have show that the vaccine is not very effective in 15 to 20 percent of children who receive only one dose. (CNN -- Health)
Loss of Vaccine-Induced Immunity to Varicella over Time Mar 15, 2007
Background The introduction of universal varicella vaccination in 1995 has substantially reduced varicella-related morbidity and mortality in the United States ... Results A total of 11,356 subjects were reported to have varicella during the surveillance period, of whom 1080 (9 ... The annual rate of breakthrough varicella significantly increased with the time since vaccination, from 1. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Greater HPV risk seen in minorities, rural groups Mar 12, 2007
After the state Board of Health acted to require the varicella vaccine for chicken pox, beginning in August 2000, immunization rates rose dramatically. Nearly 90 percent now receive the shot. (Houston Chronicle)
MMR, chicken pox vaccines work for preemies Mar 5, 2007
Vaccines for measles-mumps-rubella and varicella, or chicken pox, are effective in extremely preterm infants, even though preemies' immune systems are not as developed as full-term babies ... The study, which included 16 term and 16 extremely preterm (born before about 6 months of pregnancy) infants born between May 2002 and May 2005, is the first of its kind to examine the antibody levels of measles, mumps, rubella and varicella in this population before and after vaccination ... While many... (EurekAlert!)
Russia probes "illegal" tests of Glaxo vaccines Mar 4, 2007
Reuters AlertNet - Russia probes "illegal" tests of Glaxo vaccines. Select an Edition: Sun Mar 4 07:19:29 2007. (Reuters AlertNet)
New students, kindergartners may register on March 14 Mar 2, 2007
In addition to other required immunizations, children must have received two measles immunizations, a Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine and at least the first Hepatitis B shot before starting kindergarten. A physical examination that has been performed within one year before enrollment in school will be accepted. (The St. Augustine Record)
Westport plans preschool registration Feb 27, 2007
Updated record of immunization including: DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Hib, polio, hepatitis-B, Varicella, record of lead testing, TB screening and vision screening stereopsis. Copy of most recent physical examination. (The Standard-Times, MA)
Immunization clinics set Feb 8, 2007
Vaccines provided include: Pediarix (DTap, Hepatitis B, IPV); HIB (Haemophilus Influenza B a type of flu which often results in meningitis in children under age 5); Prevnar (to prevent some types of childhood pheumonia); MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella); Rotavirus; DTaP (diptheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis); and Hepatitis B vaccine. Other vaccines, such as Menactra (Primarily to prevent meningitis in young adults), are available at various prices. (Pontiac Daily Leader, IL)
More of this story Feb 8, 2007
Varicella vaccine is 80-85 percent effective against infection and more than 95 percent effective against severe disease ... Varicella is highly contagious ... In June 2005 and June 2006, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) made policy changes for the prevention of varicella. (Cut Bank Pioneer Press - Golden Triangle, MT)
YOU'LL FEEL A LITTLE STING: IN THE ARM Feb 6, 2007
For example, this year's recommendations include giving children a second dose of Varicella vaccine for chickenpox -- the first dose is given when a child is between 12 and 15 months old -- when the child is 4 to 6 years of age. The reason: Cases of chicken pox have been seen in children who previously had received only one dose of the vaccine. (Las Vegas Review-Journal -- Life)
Time for child immunizations Jan 29, 2007
The state requires vaccines protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox) and a second dose of measles-containing vaccine. For children younger than 5, shots against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) also are required. (Mail Tribune, OR)