From today's news! (and as I understand it shingles is the big problem for
immunocompromised patients!)
Chicken-pox vaccine "encourages shingles"
Childhood chicken-pox vaccinations could be encouraging the spread of
shingles, scientists say. Shingles, a painful rash that afflicts older
people, and can cause fatal complications, marks the re-emergence of the
dormant chicken-pox virus in later life, when immunity fails. The Public
Health Laboratory Service in London has shown that adults living with
children were less likely to develop shingles. But if all children were
vaccinated against chicken-pox, adults with a history of the disease would
not be exposed to enough of the virus to prevent full-blown shingles later.
(The Independent 02/05/02; p.6)
http://www.independent.co.uk
© Health Media Ltd 2002
http://www.health-news.co.uk
Greta Thornbory
Education & Health Care Consultant
WWW.gtenterprises-uk.com
01235 770156 phone
01235 765797 fax
07778 518 027 mobile
----- Original Message -----
From: Nick Manthorpe <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2002 1:54 PM
Subject: Re: Varicella and work experiences
> HI Glen,
> We screen all applicants for varicella in the following way:
> Conformation of past history/Blood test. If the worker is in a high risk
> environment with close contact with clients e.g. Midwives, Paediatric
nurses
> then we would blood screen. We too are having a similar situation to you
> with individuals who are school children. At the moment we are asking only
> for a conformation of past history and test only if they are very unsure
and
> are known to be working with venerable patients (children & pregnant
> individuals - through out the gestational period Chicken pox is a
> significant risk). You need to know what their role will be and risk
assess
> the level of direct patient contact for all their immunisations.
>
> The DOH will be issuing guidance on this in the near future. In it they
are
> likely to advise all NHS staff are screened (details not confirmed) but
> probably in the way I have outlined above. There is a varicella vaccine
> (available for sometime, unlicensed) which is about to be Licensed in the
> UK. so that non-immune individuals will have the opportunity to be
> vaccinated.
>
> I hope this helps
>
> Sue Manthorpe
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Occupational Health mailing list
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Glenn Raybone
> Sent: 30 April 2002 15:09
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Varicella and work experiences
>
>
> Does any one have any research or points of view regarding obtaining
> evidence of varicella immunity for people who undertake work experience
> within the hospital setting.
>
> Often these individuals are school children, and to obtain serology seems
> rather excessive for a weeks placement.
>
> What are others practice in this area??
>
> Some undertake experience in women and childrens directorates, so
potential
> risks are applicable, but if an individual says they've had chickenpox, is
> it satisfactory to allow the placement to go ahead, or would it be
> advisable to get serological evidence??
>
> Thanks,
>
> Glenn Raybone (RGN)
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