SHOULD WE PROMOTE VARICELLA ZOSTER IMMUNIZATION?

Key words: Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) vaccine

Chickenpox is a self-limited disease in the large majority of cases. However, severe complications may occasionally occur both in immunocompetent (infections due to invasive beta-hemolytic group A streptococcus) and in immunocompromised children (case fatality rate of VZV infections is 7% in these patients). VZV infection can also expose to severe morbidity specific subgroups such as pregnant women, newborn babies and the elderly. The efficacy of VZV vaccine has been demonstrated in many trials over the last two decades. Specific recommendations have been made by US and italian Health Authorities. Despite a favorable cost-benefit analysis all ready performed in USA, a more general evaluation of the priority of VZV immunization as a public health intervention is needed.