Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 5, 1995 TAG: 9507050026
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A live-virus vaccine against varicella, commonly known as chickenpox. It is made by Merck & Co. of West Point, Pa., and was licensed in March by the Food and Drug Administration.
Who should get it?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it for healthy children over age 1 and young adults who have not had chickenpox. Some pediatricians are not recommending it for girls and women past puberty if there is any possibility of pregnancy.
Who should not get it?
It should not be given routinely to people with immunity deficiencies, such as those with leukemia, lymphoma or HIV infection; to individuals receiving steroids; or to pregnant girls and women. Some pediatricians also are concerned that the vaccine hasn't been tested sufficiently and that, because it's not known how long the immunity lasts, the vaccine could dangerously postpone the disease until adulthood, when it's more severe and complications are more common.
Is it required?
No. State law requires immunization for measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, rubella (German measles), mumps and typhoid.
Does it work?
The vaccine has been tested on more than 11,000 people, and it worked more than 95 percent of the time. For more information, ask your doctor or call the American Academy of Pediatrics, (708)228-5005.
What does it cost?
Inoculation costs from $50 to $60 at a pediatrician's office; people older than 13 also need a booster shot a month or so after the first shot. Medicaid and most insurance companies do not pay for it. Because of its cost, state health departments will not offer the vaccine until it is provided through the federal Vaccines for Children Program.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, Merck & Co., public health department.
by CNB