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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