What are the contraindications for the Varicella vaccine?

What are the contraindications for the Varicella vaccine?

• A. HIV, cancer, high-dose steroids, pregnancy, recent live vaccine
• B. HIV and cancer only
• C. Pregnancy only
• D. Diabetes

Answer: (A)

Varicella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, so it cannot be given to people who are immunocompromised or in a state where a live vaccine could harm the fetus, and it should be postponed if another live vaccine has been given too recently. The immune-compromised group includes HIV infection, cancer, and those on high-dose steroids, because their immune systems may not control the vaccine strain and there’s a risk of disseminated infection. Pregnancy is a contraindication because the vaccine is live and could pose a risk to the fetus. If a recent live vaccine was given, there isn’t enough time for safe co-administration. Diabetes by itself does not constitute a contraindication. Therefore, the list that includes HIV, cancer, high-dose steroids, pregnancy, and recent live vaccine best reflects the contraindications for the Varicella vaccine.

Varicella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, so it cannot be given to people who are immunocompromised or in a state where a live vaccine could harm the fetus, and it should be postponed if another live vaccine has been given too recently. The immune-compromised group includes HIV infection, cancer, and those on high-dose steroids, because their immune systems may not control the vaccine strain and there’s a risk of disseminated infection. Pregnancy is a contraindication because the vaccine is live and could pose a risk to the fetus. If a recent live vaccine was given, there isn’t enough time for safe co-administration. Diabetes by itself does not constitute a contraindication. Therefore, the list that includes HIV, cancer, high-dose steroids, pregnancy, and recent live vaccine best reflects the contraindications for the Varicella vaccine.