Progress in clinical research of varicella vaccines

Abstract

Varicella(chickenpox)is an acute infectious disease with high incidence in children. It is mainly transmitted through the airborne route and vaccination is the best measure for the prevention and control. Data from post-marketing studies show the effectiveness of varicella vaccines is 80%-85%, and two-dose regimen is significantly more effective than one-dose. After inclusion of varicella vaccines into the national immunization programme, there has been a clear decrease in varicella morbidity. Despite the lack of direct evidence, there remains the risk that varicella-zoster virus might latent in the dorsal route ganglia after vaccination. Therefore, more safe and effective novel varicella vaccines are under development. This paper reviewed the progress in varicella vaccine development and their long-term efficacy and safety. Key words: Varicella vaccine; Efficacy; Safety; Surveillance