Varicella-zoster immune globulin for the prevention of chickenpox. Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee, Centers for Disease Control.

This is the first statement by the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee on the use of varicella-zoster immune globulin ( VZIG ). Prior recommendations have been made by the manufacturer in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and approved by the Office of Biologics, National Center for Drugs and Biologics, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Because of exceedingly limited supplies, VZIG use has been restricted to proven high-risk individuals--for prophylaxis against chickenpox in immunocompromised children and prevention of postnatal chickenpox following intrauterine exposure. With increasing supplies, some of these restrictions can be lifted. This statement includes use of VZIG for immunocompromised persons of any age, normal adults, pregnant women, and premature and full-term infants. However, because the supply of VZIG is still limited, it continues to be recommended primarily for immunocompromised children and certain neonates exposed in utero. It should not be used indiscriminately.