Varicella virus vaccine before pregnancy. Important breakthrough in protecting fetuses.

QUESTION: Now that the new varicella virus vaccine is available, should I vaccinate all my female patients of reproductive age who do not remember having had chickenpox in childhood? ANSWER: In North America, seven out of 10 women who do not remember having chickenpox in childhood actually had it and are immune. You should test their immunity and, if they are susceptible, vaccinate them. Ensure they are not pregnant at the time of vaccination because the vaccine's safety has not been proven.