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The epidemiology of varicella-zoster virus infections
1Child Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Insights
The introduction of the varicella vaccine in 1995 has changed chickenpox epidemiology. This review examines current VZV infection patterns and anticipates future shifts due to widespread vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Varicella (chickenpox) historically impacted U.S. preschool and school-aged children.
- The live attenuated varicella vaccine (Oka) was licensed in 1995.
- Routine immunization is recommended for children aged 12–18 months.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current epidemiology of Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) infection.
- To outline potential epidemiological changes following widespread varicella vaccination.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of VZV epidemiology.
- Analysis of vaccination impact on disease patterns.
Main Results:
- Vaccination is increasing the protected proportion of children.
- Anticipated epidemiological shifts in VZV infection are expected.
Conclusions:
- Widespread varicella vaccination is likely to alter disease epidemiology.
- Continued monitoring of VZV infection trends is crucial.
Abstract:
Historically, varicella has been a disease predominantly affecting preschool and school-aged children in the United States. The live attenuated varicella vaccine was licensed in this country in 1995 and has been recommended for routine use in immunization of children 12 to 18 months of age. As an increasing proportion of the children in the United States are protected from varicella by vaccination, changes in the current epidemiology of the disease are anticipated. This article reviews the current epidemiology of VZV infection and outlines issues related to possible changes in varicella epidemiology that may follow widespread use of the live varicella (Oka) vaccine.