Application of a Live Varicella Vaccine to the Immunosuppressive Children and the Incibence of a Case of Herpes Zoster after Vaccination

A live varicella vaccine was applied to 13 susceptible children to varicella virus. Three were receiving steroid therapy, and one of them was treated with both steroid and anticancer drugs. Immunosuppressive therapy and anticancer medication were not suspended before and after vaccination. Serological responses were observed in 11 of 13 vaccinated children by fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA) test 6 to 7 weeks after Vaccination. Mild rash appeared as only a clinical reaction in 3 of the vaccinated children. However, 3 and a half months later, a vaccinee with acute myeloblastic leukemia, developed herpes zoster. Our observation suggested a possibility of contracting zoster in immune compromised hosts after vaccination with a live varicella vaccine.