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Age-specific incidence of chickenpox
R Finger1, J P Hughes, B J Meade
1Kentucky Department for Health Services, Frankfort 40621.
Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Chickenpox (varicella) incidence peaks in preschoolers aged 3-6. Approximately 20% of children remain susceptible after age 8, establishing a crucial baseline for post-vaccine monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine licensure is imminent.
- Decreased transmission may lead to susceptible adults and shifts in incidence to older age groups.
- Establishing baseline age-specific incidence is vital for future monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain the age-specific incidence of chickenpox in Kentucky.
- To provide baseline data for detecting shifts in incidence post-vaccination.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted in Kentucky.
- Study 1: Assessed chickenpox in school-year cohorts from primary schools.
- Study 2: Gathered data from household members in a telephone survey (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System).
Main Results:
- Age-specific chickenpox incidence rates were similar between the two studies.
- Incidence rates peaked in preschool and kindergarten ages (3-6 years).
- About 20% of children remained susceptible to chickenpox after age 8.
Conclusions:
- The study provides valuable baseline age-specific chickenpox incidence data.
- These findings will aid in detecting changes in varicella epidemiology after vaccine introduction.
- Monitoring incidence is crucial to understand the impact of the chickenpox vaccine.