Herpes Simplex and Varicella Zoster Aug 3, 2008
The varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the underlying cause for two conditions. Initially, the virus causes chickenpox, also called varicella, in childhood ... Vaccinations for varicella in children (varicella vaccine) and for shingles in adults (varicella-zoster vaccine, also called Zostavax) are available as preventive measures. (Suite101.com)
Return of school just around bend Jul 31, 2008
Kindergartners must also have hepatitis B and varicella immunizations. Students will not be enrolled or readmitted without immunization records first being verified by the school nurse. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Health department encourages school-aged vaccinations Jul 28, 2008
Varicella (chicken pox): One dose required through fifth grade, unless proof of prior varicella disease is provided ... She said MMR and varicella are the only two live vaccinations that the health department carries. (Leavenworth Times, KS)
Nurses available at all post schools Jul 25, 2008
In addition, immunizations against varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis B are required for all students entering kindergarten through fifth grade. One varicella vaccine is required for all students entering kindergarten through grade 5 ... A second catch-up dose of varicella is recommended for all children and adolescents who previously had received one dose to improve individual protection against varicella for more rapid impact on school outbreaks. (Leavenworth Lamp, KS)
New Hope against the Cold Sore Virus Jul 4, 2008
Nevertheless, the findings could apply to the whole range of herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 2, which causes genital herpes, and the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and a more chronic, painful condition known as shingles. In fact, Umbach said, the Duke group plans to target the shingles virus in their next round of research. (MEDLINEplus)
New approach will finally kill herpes Jul 4, 2008
Herpes simplex 1 or HSV-1 causes cold sores, HSV-2 causes genital herpes, while varicella causes chicken pox and returns in middle or old age as herpes zoster to cause shingles. More Health/Sci. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Shingles vaccine costly, hard to find for seniors Jun 29, 2008
Zostavax can prevent or reduce the impact of shingles, which occurs when the varicella zoster virus, or VZV, which causes chicken pox, re-emerges decades later as a painful nerve infection typified by clusters of blisters that can last weeks, months and, in some cases, become chronic and debilitating. The CDC said a million cases of shingles occur nationwide each year, with 95 percent of all adults at risk. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Avoid the Back-to-School immunization rush Jun 20, 2008
Hepatitis A vaccine, with the first dose due at 12 months of age and the second dose due six to 18 months later Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine by 19 months of age One dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine due at 12 to 15 months of age or a statement from the parent or doctor confirming the child had chickenpox disease ... Two doses of MMR vaccine Two doses of hepatitis A vaccine Two or three doses of hepatitis B vaccine (Adolescents 11 through 15 years of age can receive a two-dose series)... (Alva Review Courier, OK)
More measles reported Jun 4, 2008
Grant County Health officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny is requiring all students, staff and volunteers to show proof of two doses of varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or other documentation of immunity or they will be excluded. The Health District has been providing varicella shots at no cost for these students and will continue to do so, Brzezny stated. (Grand Coulee Star, WA)
Rio Rancho school registration 101 Jun 1, 2008
Varicella (Chickenpox). Grades K-6 only Students entering kindergarten: two doses after the child s first birthday with at least 28 days between first and second dose, grades 1-6: one dose; or for all grade levels written proof child is immune or has had disease (preferably medical or laboratory record). (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
Pox protection May 28, 2008
CHICKEN pox (varicella) is a common infection that affects almost every one. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is a DNA virus of the herpes virus family ... Varicella is very infectious and is found worldwide. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Shingles Vaccine Available May 24, 2008
Friesen added that the same virus, varicella zoster that causes chickenpox, also causes shingles If a person gets the chickenpox, the virus remains in their body and it can come back years later as shingles. This can be devastating for older folks, especially those with weak immune systems, added Friesen. (KWTX.com, TX)
Dermatologists Link Family History To Shingles Susceptibility May 23, 2008
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus ... 8, 2005) The varicella vaccine is almost 90 percent effective against chickenpox, but its impact on herpes zoster (shingles) is unknown and needs wider surveillance, Yale School of Medicine researchers write. (Science Daily)
Vulnerability to Shingles May Hinge on Family May 22, 2008
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, causes nerve pain that occurs when the chickenpox virus (varicella zoster) is reactivated in spinal nerves. Most adults carry the varicella zoster virus, but only 10 percent to 30 percent develop shingles, according to background information in the study. (U.S. News & World Report)
CDC gets behind shingles shot May 21, 2008
The vaccine is already covered by Medicare Part D, according to the CDC. Shingles, which usually surfaces as a rash on one side of the face or body, is caused by varicella zoster, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays in the body and can reappear as shingles later in life, causing severe pain that may last for weeks, months or even years. (Salt Lake Tribune)
Shingles Seen to Run in Families May 21, 2008
Shingles is caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and then lays dormant in nerve fibers. When it's reactivated, often by trauma or stress, the virus can produce a very painful skin eruption. (MEDLINEplus)
Tool creates personalized catch-up immunization schedules for missed childhood vaccinations May 21, 2008
The vaccines included in the scheduler are those required between birth and six years of age: Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Pneumococcal, Inactivated Poliovirus, Measles/Mumps/Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis A and Meningococcal. Influenza is contained in the recommended schedule, but is not included in the scheduler. (EurekAlert!)
Over 60? New Shingles Vaccine Highly Recommended May 18, 2008
The vaccine reduces the incidence of painful shingles, also known as herpes zoster, which is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). VZV causes the childhood disease, chickenpox, and anyone who has ever had chickenpox can become infected with shingles. (MedHeadlines)
Shingles vaccine urged for older travelers May 16, 2008
The CDC said about 95 percent of all people are infected by the varicella zoster virus, or VZV, in their lifetime, which causes the common childhood disease chicken pox. But after the childhood episode passes, the virus goes dormant within the nerves and can reactivate later in life to cause shingles. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Importance of immunizations being highlighted May 2, 2008
Infant immunization is extremely important and begins a lifetime of good health," said Iowa Department of Public Health acting Bureau of Disease Prevention and Immunization Chief Don Callaghan. IDPH works to ensure all Iowa children, regardless of income or insurance, are properly vaccinated. The IDPH Immunization Program purchases and distributes vaccine to public and private health care providers through the Vaccines for Children Program. Approximately 257,000 Iowans ages 18 and younger are... (Fairfield Daily Ledger, IA)
Chickenpox reported in area May 2, 2008
Chickenpox or varicella is a common childhood disease that occurs in small clusters throughout every community ... Anyone who has been exposed to the varicella causing virus and is pregnant or immunocompromised should consult their health care provider ... We recommend that anyone who has never had chickenpox contact their health care provider or the Moniteau County Health Center at 573-796-3412 to discuss the use of varicella vaccine. (California Democrat, MO)
Bill Would Allow Parents To Opt Out Of Vaccines May 2, 2008
"He started to bounce back and one month later he had the chicken pox [varicella] vaccine, and he was 'off' again," Ferrara said. "Two months after that he had the DTap [diptheria, tetanus and pertussis], HiB [haemophilus influenzae type B], IPV [polio], and Prevnar [which prevents against certain pneumococcal diseases], all in one day. That was the straw that broke the camel's back. He was completely gone after that." Over the past four years, Ferrara said she has absorbed so much more... (Suffolk Life Newspapers, NY)
Head Start taking enrollment applications Apr 20, 2008
According to state law, no child may attend until they have received the HIB, MMR, DPT, Hep A, Hep B, Varicella, and Polio vaccines or be currently in the process of getting them. The Head Start Program is for 3 and 4 year old children whose families meet the Federal Income Guidelines and for children with disabilities. (Alva Review Courier, OK)
Register, ride at Helping Hearts Poker Run today Apr 20, 2008
A certificate of immunization for the communicable disease of poliomyelitis, mumps, diptheria, rubeola, rubella, pertussis, tetanus, varicella, and hepatitis B also is required. The Health Department will administer free shots for children who will be 5 by Sept. 1. (Florida Times-Union)
The point of prevention Apr 10, 2008
Health-care workers in NSW public health facilities who have direct patient contact or contact with infectious substances need protection against hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) and need to be screened for tuberculosis (TB) ... Chickenpox (varicella) Why you need it: To help prevent infection. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Five Solana Beach Students Diagnosed With Chicken Pox Apr 5, 2008
"This is the second varicella outbreak in one week and serves as a reminder of the importance of getting the chicken pox vaccine for protection against the disease," county public health officer Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., said. Earlier this week, five students were diagnosed with chicken pox at Sycamore Ridge School in Del Mar. (NBCSandiego.com, CA)
Register for kindergarten, apply for prekindergarten in Chesterfield County Mar 26, 2008
Documentation of vaccine series is required for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP), polio and hepatitis B. Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine is required for children who have not already had the disease. The child's Social Security number is requested, and parents must bring one of these proofs of county residency: * lease for at least one year or deed of a residence or property in Chesterfield County. (Petersburg Progress Index, VA)
Kindergarten students and their parents called out Mar 18, 2008
The child will not be allowed to attend school until immunization requirements are met DPT 5 doses, Polio 4 doses, MMR 2 doses, Hepatitis B 3 doses, Varicella 1 dose. Call the school at 866-5411 to enroll your child and receive a registration packette. (Rensselaer Republican, IN)
U.S. Health Officials Back Off Preference for New MMRV Vaccine Mar 15, 2008
THURSDAY, March 13 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. health officials are no longer recommending the combination MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine over the MMR vaccine and a separate varicella vaccine for kids ... But the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD), which monitors vaccine safety, detected a signal for increased seizures in children aged 12 to 23 months who got the MMRV shot compared with those who got the MMR one (many children also got varicella) ... The VSD then initiated a study... (MEDLINEplus)
Vaccination laws will change next fall Mar 9, 2008
- Why are new Tdap and varicella (chickenpox) requirements being made ... Two doses of varicella vaccine have been shown to be more effective than one dose in preventing breakthrough disease cases of chickenpox in children of all age groups ... Recommendations for both Tdap and varicella vaccines are made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Gridley Kindergarten registration Mar 8, 2008
At the time of registration, parents must bring the child's birth certificate, and a verification card from the family doctor indicating that the child has been administered the minimum required series of three polio immunizations, four D.P.T. immunizations, (however, if the last polio or D.P.T. vaccination was given before the fourth birthday, a booster is needed), two measles-mumps-rubella vaccinations, three Hepatitis B vaccinations, and one dose of Varicella chickenpox (or documentation from... (Gridley Herald, CA)
Kids' Flu Vaccine Can Be Given with Other Shots Mar 5, 2008
In the new study, conducted by Dr. Terry Nolan of the University of Melbourne, Australia and colleagues, 1245 children in the US and Australia, ages 12 to 15 months, were randomly assigned to one of three groups in which the nasal flu vaccine was given before, after, or along with MMR and varicella vaccines. The researchers found that the immunity provided by the three vaccines, as their safety, remained unchanged no matter whether they were given sequentially or concurrently. (MEDLINEplus)
Chicken Pox In Isle Of Wight Feb 27, 2008
There have been several reported cases of chickenpox (varicella) in Isle of Wight County Schools this winter ... Chickenpox is a contagious disease that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. (WTKR.com, VA)
Chicken Pox Outbreaks Reported At Two Schools Feb 23, 2008
SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reports that nine students at Dailard Elementary School in the San Diego Unified School District and 9 students at National City Middle School in the Sweetwater Union School District have been diagnosed with chicken pox (varicella) ... Chicken pox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella virus. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Kindergarten registration and screening Feb 22, 2008
Parents are reminded that Massachusetts State Law requires that before children are allowed to enter the public schools, proof must be provided that they have been immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and varicella. Parents are also required to provide proof of lead screening, a current physical and vision testing. (Saugus Advertiser, MA)
Debate regarding appropriateness of novel dominates much of meeting Feb 21, 2008
Also, chicken pox (aka varicella) vaccine or proof of the disease prior to school entry is required. Unanimously approved a proposal to offer rent-free housing as an additional incentive to bring Teaching Fellows highly-trained novice teachers working through the University of Missouri scholarship program to the district. (Mexico Ledger, MO)
Shingles, adult whooping cough vaccines underused Feb 18, 2008
The pain starts as the varicella zoster virus re-emerges in someone who has had chickenpox. The virus travels down nerve cells to the skin, where it typically causes a one-sided rash on the face or trunk. (USA Today -- News)
Adult vaccines: What you may need Feb 12, 2008
Casper Star-Tribune Online - Casper. Text Size Share This Story. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Local student learns at Centers for Disease Control Feb 8, 2008
In Atlanta, Laura spent time in the HIV lab, the outbreak and biofilms lab (outbreaks such as MRSA, a bacterium responsible for difficult to treat infections in humans); flu lab; special pathogens lab; Varicella Zoster labs (VZV is a herpes virus that causes chickenpox and shingles); enteric bacteria and food outbreak labs, and polio research labs. The labs are operated by the National Center for Infectious Diseases or the Center for Complex Infectious Diseases, both arms of the CDC. "Being in... (Storm Lake Pilot Tribune, IA)
Rankin County kindergarten registration set Jan 29, 2008
Have a completed immunization record from a health department or a doctor, including two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and two doses of Varicella vaccine, unless the child has a history of chicken pox. Have a parent present two proofs of residency, one from each group a mortgage, lease or homestead exemption application; and a utility bill, auto registration or drivers license. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Prednisolone or Acyclovir in Bell’s Palsy Jan 17, 2008
Since zoster sine herpete which can mimic the signs and symptoms of Bell's palsy caused by varicella zoster virus has an incidence rate of up to 34% among patients with "Bell's palsy,"3 information. . (New England Journal of Medicine)
Shingles Sends 1 Million to Doctors Each Year Jan 16, 2008
Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus, which also causes chicken pox. It is a herpes virus that can linger in the body for decades, becoming reactivated when the immune system is suppressed. (MEDLINEplus)
Chicken pox plagues WCV despite vaccinations Jan 11, 2008
"It has not been choosy, as it is scattered throughout the elementary grades. I have contacted the county nurses to be informed that it is recommended to have a second Varicella vaccine (started summer 2006). It is not law but highly recommended due to the break through cases being reported." In fact, the Dexter elementary reports 14 kids absent Friday, Jan. 4, seven of whom confirmed with the chicken pox ... While attendance has pretty much stabilized, parents in the district are being warned... (Mid Iowa Enterprise, IA)
Mayo Clinic Article Offers Data About Shingles Virus Jan 4, 2008
Also known as herpes zoster, shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox ... 8, 2005) The varicella vaccine is almost 90 percent effective against chickenpox, but its impact on herpes zoster (shingles) is unknown and needs wider surveillance, Yale School of Medicine researchers write ... 19, 2006) A team of scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has... (Science Daily)
Inhibitex: Shingles drug tests well Dec 16, 2007
Published in vitro studies have shown FV-100 is more potent against and can inhibit the replication of varicella zoster virus, the virus that causes shingles, faster than other antiviral therapeutics currently used to treat shingles. Inhibitex believes these characteristics provide the potential for FV-100 to be dosed once-a-day and to reduce the incidence or severity of shingles-related symptoms, including acute pain and post herpetic neuralgia. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
Eight students in one school get chicken pox Dec 8, 2007
Chicken pox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella virus. The disease can spread quickly through coughing, sneezing or contact with chicken pox blisters. (North County Times)
Health and Fitness File Nov. 28 Nov 29, 2007
Immunizations include varicella (Chicken Pox), DTaP, Td, polio, HIB, MMR and hepatitis B. Immunizations for adults include tetanus and hepatitis B. TB skin tests are offered by appointment only by calling (262) 835-6429. Clients must return to the health department 48-72 hours later for the test to be read. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Chicken Pox Vaccination Should Be Introduced For Children In The UK, Researchers Urge Nov 19, 2007
The simplest strategy would be to switch from the triple MMR vaccine to one that also included immunity against chickenpox (varicella), using the recently licensed MMRV jab, say the authors ... But varicella vaccine could be offered to all teenagers who have not yet been infected ... This child presented with the characteristic pancorporeal varicella, or chickenpox lesions. (Science Daily)
Shots up to date? Nov 17, 2007
Are your child's shots up-to-date. - Kids and parenting- msnbc. (MSNBC -- Health)
Number Of Cases Of Most Vaccine-preventable Diseases In US At All-time Low Nov 16, 2007
The diseases were diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella (including congenital rubella syndrome), invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), acute hepatitis B, hepatitis A, varicella (chickenpox), Streptococcus pneumoniae and smallpox ... 9 percent in deaths for varicella ... 0 percent for varicella. (Science Daily)
Vaccines cut deaths for kids to new lows Nov 15, 2007
In only four diseases - hepatitis A and B, invasive pneumococcal diseases and varicella (the cause of chickenpox and shingles) - did deaths and hospitalizations fall less than 90 percent. Those vaccines are all relatively new - the one for chickenpox, for example, was adopted nationally only in 1995. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Vaccine-Preventable Deaths Reach New Low in U.S. Nov 15, 2007
The study compared the number of cases and deaths for 13 vaccine-preventable deaths: diphtheria; pertussis (whooping cough); tetanus; polio; measles; mumps; rubella (German measles); invasive Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib); acute hepatitis B; hepatitis A; varicella (chickenpox); Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal); and smallpox. The researchers compared the most recent data on illnesses (from 2006) and deaths (from 2004) to pre-vaccination rates. (MEDLINEplus)
Vaccines cut disease deaths by 99 percent Nov 14, 2007
Sandra Roush of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and colleagues examined the illness and death rates for 13 vaccine-preventable diseases diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), acute hepatitis B, hepatitis A, varicella (chickenpox), Streptococcus pneumoniae and smallpox. Chart. (MSNBC -- Health)
UK Children Should Be Vaccinated Against Chickenpox Nov 9, 2007
The only practical way of making sure children do not die or develop severe complications as a result of becoming infected with chickenpox (varicella) is to routinely vaccinate them against the virus, according to an article in Archives of Disease in Childhood (British Medical Journal) ... "Should the UK introduce varicella vaccine?" Marion Roderick, A V Ramanan and Adam Finn Arch Dis Child. (Medical News Today)
Support for child chickenpox jabs Nov 8, 2007
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella virus, is generally a mild infection and nine out of 10 cases happen in children under the age of 15. However, rare but dangerous complications can happen in a small number of healthy children or those with other chronic health problems. (BBC News -- UK)
Twelve students sickened with chickenpox Nov 8, 2007
The Pitt County Health Department reported 12 school-age students diagnosed with Varicella, commonly called chickenpox. Tammy DuBrey, communicable disease nursing supervisor with the health department, said the agency became aware of the cluster of cases Monday. (The Daily Reflector)
Humoral Immunity to Viral and Vaccine Antigens Nov 8, 2007
Methods We performed a longitudinal analysis of antibody titers specific for viral antigens (vaccinia, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella zoster virus, and Epstein Barr virus) and nonreplicating antigens (tetanus and diphtheria) in 45 subjects for a period of up to 26 years ... Results Antiviral antibody responses were remarkably stable, with half-lives ranging from an estimated 50 years for varicella zoster virus to more than 200 years for other viruses such as measles and mumps. (New England Journal of Medicine)
High Number of Two Food-Borne Illnesses Reported Nov 6, 2007
Varicella (chicken pox), 6. Washington Missouri 2007. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
New U.S. Vaccine Guidelines for Adults Released Oct 20, 2007
--Varicella (chickenpox) vaccination is recommended for all adults with no apparent immunity to the virus. --Zoster (shingles) vaccination is advised for all adults 60 years of age and older, regardless of whether they have had a prior shingles episode. (MEDLINEplus)
Bell’s Palsy — Is Glucocorticoid Treatment Enough? Oct 18, 2007
Approximately a third of cases of acute peripheral facial weakness are caused by trauma, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, eclampsia, the Ramsay Hunt syndrome (facial palsy with zoster oticus caused by varicella zoster virus), Lyme disease, sarcoidosis, Sj. gren's syndrome, parotid gland tumors, and amyloidosis and may even be a complication of intranasal influenza vaccine. (New England Journal of Medicine)
The pros and cons of the shingles vaccine Oct 4, 2007
Published: October 3, 2007. Maybe you haven't heard anything about the shingles vaccine. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
State offers a plethora of information Oct 2, 2007
Hepatitis B, DTaP/DTP/DT/Td (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and varicella vaccines are required for children attending preschool or child care, kindergarten, and grades 1-12. Children going into preschool or childcare should also receive the Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccination. (Beacon Villager, MA)
A Newborn Girl with Skin Lesions Sep 27, 2007
Please for full text and personal services. Volume 357:1327-1335. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Children may get chickenpox vaccine Sep 13, 2007
By Rebecca Smith, Medical EditorLast Updated: 2:30am BST 13/09/2007. Children could be vaccinated against chicken pox as Government experts are being convened to investigate the issue. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Teens Need To See Their Doctors More Often Sep 8, 2007
In addition to the HPV vaccine, two other vaccines have been added to the immunization schedule for adolescents: Tdap to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) and meningococcal vaccine for viral meningitis, in addition to a new recommendation for a varicella (chicken pox) booster. Each of these vaccines are given in a single shot each and don t require subsequent visits. (Science Daily)
