Medical Health Encyclopedia

Vaccine's Effect on Shingles. A primary concern is whether the vaccine protects against shingles later on, particularly in people who have breakthrough infections--however mild. As more and more children get vaccinated, the actual protection of the vaccine and the implication of the breakthrough infection will become clearer.[For more information, seeWell-Connected Report #90, Immunizations.]

Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin

Varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) is a substance that triggers an immune response against the varicella-zoster virus. It is used to protect high-risk patients who are exposed to chickenpox, or those who cannot receive a vaccination of the live virus. Such groups include:

• Pregnant women with no history of chickenpox.
• Newborns under four weeks who are exposed to chickenpox or shingles.
• Premature infants.
• Immunocompromised children and adults with no antibodies to VZV.
• Recipients of bone-marrow transplants (even if they have had chickenpox).
• Patients with a debilitating disease even if they have had chickenpox.

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VZIG should be given within 96 hours and no later than 10 days after exposure to someone with chickenpox.