[Vaccination against varicella-zoster virus]

Abstract

The live varicella virus vaccine which was developed by Takahashi et al, in Japan in 1974 is under study in many countries. This vaccine is able to induce a high degree of immunity in the absence of acute reactions, and therefore it appears to be an effective help in the prevention of VZ infection. The capacity of VZV to become latent in neuronal cells represents a major difficulty in developing strategies for extensive vaccination. Other potential problems are summarized. More extensive studies and clinical trials are required, on the assumption that benefits will outweigh hypothetical risks, before this new immunization is started in children with or without underlying disease.