UK: Vaccine could eliminate varicella virus

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http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=23 & storycode=4120563 & c=2

Vaccine could eliminate varicella virus

08 Sep 08

By Lilian Anekwe

A two-dose vaccination programme could eliminate the varicella virus in the

UK, but may also mean the elderly need to be vaccinated to prevent them

contracting shingles, according to new research.

Modelling data from Health Protection Agency researchers found that a

two-dose schedule, at the levels of coverage likely to be achieved in the UK

would eliminate varicella in children included in a possible vaccination

programme.

But there is a suggestion the reduction in varicella after a successful

vaccination programme would result in less boosting of specific immunity in

adults.

This would resulting in an increased incidence of herpes zoster, and

shingles, in adults unexposed to varicella in children.

Researchers modelled the impact of vaccination on the incidence of

chickenpox and shingles, and found vaccination against both diseases would

lower the incidence of infection with the varicella zoster virus.

Study leader Dr Albert Jan van Hoek concluded: ‘With a two-dose schedule at

the levels of coverage likely to be achieved in the UK, the model predicts

that varicella might be eliminated.

‘However, this may lead to an increase of zoster in the medium term. This

increase can be partly offset by vaccinating the elderly against herpes

zoster. A part of the raise can be prevented by vaccinating the elderly.’

The Government’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is

currently assessing evidence on whether vaccinating children against

chickenpox would be cost-effective, and if so in which age group. A vaccine

to prevent chickenpox was introduced in the US in 1996.

The research will be presented at the Health Protection Conference 2008 later

this month.