Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is one of eight herpes viruses known to infect humans and vertebrates. It commonly causes chicken-pox in children, teens and young adults and herpes zoster (shingles).
Varicella vaccination is less effective than the natural immunity that existed in pre-vaccine communities. Universal varicella vaccination has not proven to be cost-effective as increased HZ morbidity has disproportionately offset cost savings associated with reductions in varicella disease. Universal varicella vaccination has failed to provide long-term protection from VZV disease. Read Goldman GS, King PG study.