Use of Varicella Vaccine in Healthy Populations

Summary

There is good evidence based on effectiveness data to recommend in favour of routine vaccination of children aged 12-15 months and catch-up vaccination of children to 12 years for the prevention of VZV illness (Grade A recommendation).

There is fair evidence for the vaccination of susceptible adolescents and adults (Grade B recommendation).

Further clinical trials would be needed to provide better data on cost-effectiveness, mortality and hospitalization; long-term effectiveness in adults and to compare effectiveness of one- versus two-dose regimens in adolescents and adults.