Varicella vaccination in India's universal immunisation program -is it time?
Vidushi Mahajan1, Parminder Kaur1, Chandrika Azad1
1Department of Pediatrics, 29746Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India.
Tropical Doctor
|July 26, 2022
Insights
Complicated varicella (chickenpox) poses a significant threat in India, even in healthy children. Vaccination and surveillance are crucial to prevent this vaccine-preventable disease burden.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Varicella (chickenpox) is a common viral infection, but can lead to severe complications.
- The burden of vaccine-preventable varicella in India remains significant, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Complicated varicella cases in immunocompetent children underscore the need for enhanced public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the occurrence and impact of complicated varicella in immunocompetent children.
- To emphasize the substantial burden of varicella that is preventable through vaccination in India.
- To advocate for improved surveillance and vaccine integration into routine immunization programs.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two children with complicated varicella.
- Analysis of the clinical presentation and outcomes.
- Review of the current varicella vaccination landscape and public health recommendations in India.
Main Results:
- Two cases of complicated varicella in immunocompetent children were successfully managed.
- These cases illustrate the potential severity and impact of varicella in the Indian pediatric population.
- The findings underscore the significant burden of a vaccine-preventable disease.
Conclusions:
- Complicated varicella can occur in immunocompetent children, indicating a substantial disease burden.
- Implementation of a robust surveillance program is essential for monitoring varicella.
- Incorporating the varicella vaccine into routine immunization schedules is a critical step to mitigate illness and reduce the public health burden.
Abstract:
We report two representative cases of complicated varicella in immunocompetent children highlighting the significant vaccine preventable varicella burden in the Indian population. A robust surveillance programme followed by incorporation of varicella vaccine in routine immunization would be the way forward to mitigate this illness.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
45.3K
Overview
45.3K
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
441
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
441
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
1.2K
Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
1.2K
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
176
Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...
176
01:30Preventive Healthcare Services
1.1K
Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:
1.1K
01:30Cancer Vaccines
502
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
502