Podcast: Varicella

Dr. Chris Greenaway will describe the key points of the Varicella immunization review of the Canadian Collaboration for Immigrant and Refugee Health Evidence-based clinical guidelines.

A large proportion of adolescents and adults from tropical countries are susceptible to varicella (~50% at age 15 years and ~10% from age 30-35 years).

In certain tropical regions (the Caribbean, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Indonesia, and in rural areas of other countries such as Pakistan, India, etc.) the mean age of acquiring varicella may be even older and a large proportion of adults >35 years may still be susceptible to varicella.

Pregnant immigrant women and their babies are at highest risk for complications from varicella.

Immigrants and refugees of all ages from tropical countries would benefit from having their varicella immune status verified and being offered varicella vaccine if found to be susceptible.

CMAJ Evidence review

Evidence Based Migrant Health Network