Varicella - Management of Non-Immune Refugee Patients
Overview
Varicella immunity is checked as part of the initial refugee screening for patients over 13 years of age. Many refugee patients will be non-immune, particularly those from tropical regions where natural varicella infection is less common.
Non-Immune Patients (Negative Varicella IgG)
All non-immune patients should be offered varicella immunization.
Patient | Referral |
School-aged children | Varicella vaccine administered through school in most Canadian provinces |
Adults and non-school-aged children | Refer to a local vaccination clinic |
In Alberta, community vaccination clinics can be located through Alberta Health Services.
Indeterminate Varicella Serology
* Offer immunization without repeating the serology. This is safe and practical.
* Exception: if other blood work is already being ordered, it is reasonable to add a repeat varicella IgG before vaccinating
Special Considerations
* Varicella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine. Do not administer to immunocompromised patients or pregnant women.
* For pregnant women who are non-immune: vaccinate postpartum
* Susceptible household contacts of immunocompromised individuals should be vaccinated to protect them