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