Postexposure prophylaxis for varicella/shingles: a review of the UKHSA guidelines

Background Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a human herpes virus that causes chickenpox (or varicella) and shingles. Chickenpox, which occurs with primary VZV infection, is highly contagious and is typically a mild illness in childhood. Shingles, which occurs with reactivation of latent VZV, is less common in childhood than adulthood but can still affect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent children following previous chickenpox infection or varicella vaccination. Information about the current guideline The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) ‘guidelines on postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for varicella/shingles’ were first published in April 2022 and updated in January 2023.1 They provide national recommendations for PEP in people at high risk of developing severe chickenpox following an exposure; this group consists primarily of vulnerable neonates and infants, immunosuppressed individuals and pregnant individuals (as well as the developing fetus). The guidelines focus on PEP rather than on the clinical management...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Guideline review Source Type: research