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Subject:
From:
"Linda L. Shaw MD" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 27 Sep 1998 11:42:38 EDT
Content-Type:
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Just to correct the misinformation about varicella vaccine that is popping up
on Lactnet lately---

The vaccine was developed in Japan nearly 20 years ago, and found to be safe
even in children undergoing treatment for leukemia (varicella in a leukemic
can be rapidly fatal).  Its introduction was delayed here in the USA because
the CDC quibbled over the various versions of the vaccine.  It was released
here in the USA just a couple of years ago.  Testing on the vaccine recipients
has now shown at least 10 years worth of very good immunity.  Vaccine
recipients do not get shingles later on; natural disease often will lead to
shingles later.  The safety profile of the vaccine is excellent; occasional
children will develop a few varicella-type lesions.  It is given after 1 year
of age.

There should be no excuse for not giving this vaccine to a child.  Varicella
is now the commonest vaccine-preventable cause of death in children in the
USA.

Vaccines in general have been phenomenal life- and health- savers.  They are,
along with clean water, adequate food, and promotion of breastfeeding, a major
public and worldwide health advance and have saved the lives of countless
children.

I view not having children adequately and completely immunized the equivalent
of driving around without putting them in appropriate child safety seats or
leaving loaded, unlocked guns lying around the house, or leaving poisons open
under a sink, or not fencing a swimming pool; in other words--a serious health
risk!
Linda L. Shaw MD FAAP

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