Vacuna anti-varicela

Abstract

Varicella and herpes zoster represent a significant public health problem. Safe and highly effective varicella vaccines against severe and moderate varicella are currently available. Vaccine efficacy is lower and more variable against mild disease and several risk factors have been associated with mild breakthrough disease. Experts are currently discussing the need for a second vaccine dose. Universal varicella vaccination has been highly effective in reducing morbidity and hospitalizations due to varicella, a strategy that has proven to be cost effective in many regions when the societal-perspective is considered in the analysis. Recent data suggests that varicella vaccination may be associated with an increased incidence of herpes zoster in the elderly. Immunity conferred by varicella vaccination seems to be longlasting but a continued evaluation is needed in order to asses the effect of the changing epidemiology associated with universal immunization.