Nova Scotia Extends Chickenpox Vaccine Program

The province's varicella (chickenpox) vaccine program is being extended to protect more children and vulnerable adults from the disease. The second phase of the chickenpox vaccine program, beginning Friday, Aug. 1, will provide the vaccine free of charge to students entering Grade Primary in September, as well as to some special-risk groups.

"Chickenpox can be a serious disease and should not be underestimated, so we're very pleased to be able to extend the vaccine program we introduced for babies in January," said Dr. Jeff Scott, provincial medical officer of health. "If all those eligible for the free chickenpox vaccine receive it, in about four years all preschool children in Nova Scotia will have immunity to the chickenpox, as will many at-risk adults."

The vaccine will be offered to children who have not had chickenpox when they receive their school entry immunization in September. Children who are enrolled in Grade Primary and have already received their booster can still get the vaccine from their doctor. It is estimated that about 50 per cent of children entering Grade Primary have not had chickenpox.

The program is also being expanded to provide free vaccine to special-risk groups who have not had chickenpox. These groups include contacts of people who have weakened immune systems and susceptible health-care workers. Pregnant women who can't confirm whether they have had the disease will be screened for immunity, and if appropriate, can receive the vaccine after the birth of their baby.

The first phase of the program made the vaccine available on the first birthday of all babies born on or after Jan. 1, 2002. It is offered at the same time as the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Children who did not receive the varicella vaccine on their first birthday, and who have not had chickenpox, can still receive the vaccine with their 18-month immunizations.

About 95 per cent of Canadian children are infected with chickenpox by the age of 15. Once infected, the lifetime risk of re-infection is 15 to 20 per cent, with reactivation occurring more frequently among the elderly.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes two diseases. Varicella, or chickenpox, is the more common, but the virus can come back later in life and cause herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the chickenpox vaccine can speak to their doctor, or contact their local public health office.