2024, Number 3
Chickenpox vaccine, its importance
Vargas-Mosso ME, Fraga-Pérez J, Reyes-Gómez U, Virgen-Ortega C, Guerrero-Becerra M, Reyes-Hernández KL, Merlo-Palomera M, Chuck-Sepúlveda JA, Cuevas-López LL, Juárez-Velasco R, Pérez-Granados P
Full text
10.35366/115749
Language: Spanish
References: 10
Page: 152-158
PDF size: 253.63 Kb.
ABSTRACT
The varicella zoster virus (VZV) belongs to the Herpesviridae family, in the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily. Immunodeficient people, pregnant women, neonates and the elderly can suffer from severe forms of chickenpox or shingles. The infection is endemo-epidemic and causes outbreaks in daycare centers, schools, permanent residence institutions and hospitals. Among the health promotion measures is avoiding contact with the vesicles and scratching, which can prevent contagion among children and some adults, as well as maintaining good hygiene with constant hand washing. Universal vaccination against chickenpox markedly reduces the frequency of VZV diseases in vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Sustained vaccine coverage ≥ 80% is possible with an affordable vaccine. In Latin America, the chickenpox vaccine is incorporated into the national immunization programs (NIP) of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Paraguay, Panama and Uruguay, except in Mexico. We must continue to insist on its incorporation into the national vaccination record.REFERENCES