CDC RECOMMENDS SECOND DOSE OF CHICKENPOX VACCINE

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)unanimously recommended that children aged 4 to 6years receive a second dose of varicella vaccine for theprevention of chickenpox. The ACIP also suggested thatchildren, adolescents, and adults who received only a singledose of varicella vaccine receive a second, "catch-updose," which can be done as part of routine health carevisits and school-and college-entry requirements.

VARIVAX [varicella vaccine live (Oka/Merck)] andProQuad [measles, mumps, rubella, varicella(Oka/Merck) virus vaccine live] are the only vaccines toprotect against chickenpox in the United States. VARIVAXis indicated for vaccination against varicella in individuals12 months of age and older. ProQuad is indicatedfor simultaneous vaccination against measles,mumps, rubella, and varicella in children 12 months to12 years of age.

The committee also voted to recommend that a seconddose of varicella vaccine be part of the CDC Vaccinesfor Children (VFC) program.