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The new varicella vaccine: efficacy, safety, and administration
1Jewish Hospital College of Nursing and Allied Health, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Insights
The varicella vaccine (Varivax) is safe and effective for children, offering 95-100% immunity for at least 10 years. This review covers its clinical trials, risks, benefits, and administration guidelines for nurses.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the varicella vaccine (Varivax) for pediatric use.
- Over 11,000 children, both healthy and immunocompromised, have received the vaccine since 1979.
- Varivax demonstrates high efficacy and a favorable safety profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing research literature on clinical trials of the Varivax vaccine.
- To analyze the risks, benefits, and projected costs associated with varicella vaccination.
- To provide administration guidelines and discuss implications for nursing practice.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of clinical trials on Varivax.
- Analysis of vaccine efficacy, safety data, and economic projections.
- Application of the Health Belief Model to a case study for administration guidelines.
Main Results:
- Varivax is 95% to 100% effective in providing immunity for at least 10 years.
- The vaccine is considered safe for administration in pediatric populations.
- Precautions, contraindications, and administration guidelines are detailed.
Conclusions:
- Varivax is a safe and effective option for preventing varicella in children.
- Nurses play a crucial role in vaccine administration and patient education.
- Further research is needed to explore long-term effectiveness and optimal use.
Abstract:
Since the FDA has given approval for the manufacture of a varicella vaccine (Varivax), nurses are beginning to administer the vaccine to children. Over 11,000 healthy and immunocompromised children have been immunized since 1979. Varivax has been found to be 95% to 100% effective in conferring immunity for at least 10 years, and it appears to be a safe vaccine. This article presents a review of the research literature on clinical trials of Varivax, and the risks, benefits, and projected cost of the vaccine. Precautions, contraindications, and guidelines for administration are tabled and discussed in a sample case using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework. The article includes a discussion of areas for further research and implications for nursing.