ABC News: Chickenpox defies COVID-19 restrictions, prompting vaccination warning
Throughout the pandemic, the highly transmissible varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox has continued to spread with more than 10,000 cases recorded in Queensland last year and similar levels observed in 2020.
While the pandemic has shown social and physical distancing to be very effective in limiting the spread of diseases, this article reveals that we can expect to see a number of infectious diseases increase as measures are relaxed.
Immunising against the varicella zoster virus is the best way to protect against infection. Data shows that the vaccine is 95 to 99 per cent effective at preventing severe chickenpox so there is a need to encourage individuals – especially pregnant women – to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations.
To read the article in full, please click on the link below.
ABC News: Chickenpox defies COVID-19 restrictions, prompting vaccination warning
Zostavax safety advisory
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have reiterated their advice that Zostavax should not be administered to immunocompromised individuals as it is associated with a risk of mild-serious complications. This advice follows a report of a new case of a patient who was taking hydroxychloroquine and a low dose of prednisolone who died three weeks after receiving the Zostavax vaccine. Whilst it was found that the Zostavax was administered in line with existing recommendations it is important that health professionals are aware of the potential of this kind of very rare adverse event.
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And for more information on Zoster and to access the Zostavax GP Decision Aid refer to the MVEC: Zoster immunisation reference page.