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MS WordPerinatologist Corner - C.E.U/C.M.E. Modules
Varicella in Pregnancy
9. Prenatal Assessment and Postpartum Vaccination
Prenatal assessment of women for evidence of varicella immunity is
recommended. Birth before 1980 is not considered evidence of immunity for
pregnant women because of potential severe consequences of varicella infection
during pregnancy, including infection of the fetus.
Upon completion or termination of their pregnancies, women who do not have
evidence of varicella immunity should receive the first dose of vaccine before
discharge from the health-care facility. The second dose should be administered
4--8 weeks later, which coincides with the postpartum visit (6--8 weeks after
delivery).
For women who gave birth, the second dose should be administered at the
postpartum visit. Women should be counseled to avoid conception for 1 month
after each dose of varicella vaccine. Health-care settings in which completion or
termination of pregnancy occurs should use standing orders to ensure the
administration of varicella vaccine to women without evidence of immunity. …”
Prevention of Varicella: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (CDC / ACIP)
Bottomline:
Please add prenatal screening and postpartum vaccination as per the CDC /
ACIP recommendations to your practice and facility guidelines. Varicella vaccine
for adults may not be provided by your State Immunization Program, in which
case, it will need to be purchased by your facility.
