JCOGP
Journal of Controversies in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics

As of January 2023, our "Journal of Controversies Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics" has been published under the Medihealth Academy to publish all articles, reviews and case reports on Pediatrics, especially in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In order to facilitate the citation of the articles, to take our place in internationally respected indexes and to reach a wider readership, we will pay attention to the fact that our article language is only English in terms of acceptance.

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Chickenpox infection and vaccination in adolescents
Abstract
The varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the herpesvirus family, typically causes chickenpox in childhood and shingles in adulthood. The risk of transmission and the severity of viremia are high in chickenpox. It can lead to serious morbidity and even mortality in children. The most important contraindications for vaccination include pregnancy, immunodeficiency, the use of immunosuppressive drugs, and active tuberculosis. The chickenpox vaccine is produced using human diploid cell culture and can be safely administered even in those with severe egg allergies. The vaccine is contraindicated in individuals with a history of anaphylactic reactions to any of its components. The vaccine can be administered concurrently with other childhood vaccines. If the vaccine being administered is a live parenteral vaccine, it should be given on the same day or with a 28-day interval. If a PPD screening test is to be performed, it is recommended that the vaccine be administered on the same day and the test be read 48–72 hours later. If the use of the varicella vaccine alongside immunoglobulin, blood, or other blood products is envisaged, the vaccine must be postponed depending on the type and quantity of the product used. As the varicella virus is susceptible to acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, these antiviral agents must not be used from one day prior to the day of vaccination until 14 days thereafter. All young people and adults who have not had the chickenpox vaccine, those who have not had the disease, those who are unsure whether they have been vaccinated, those at high risk of exposure to chickenpox, and those working in healthcare settings, schools, or childcare centers, as well as university students, military and security personnel, teachers, and nursery staff—all those working in communal settings are at high risk of contracting chickenpox. The most important and simplest way to protect against chickenpox and shingles is vaccination. Studies conducted in countries where the vaccine is administered have shown a significant reduction in the incidence of chickenpox and the economic burden of the disease. It has been demonstrated that a single dose of the chickenpox vaccine provides high protection against moderate and severe cases of chickenpox; however, a two-dose regimen offers optimal protection against all forms of the disease, prevents transmission, and achieves a high level of herd immunity. For this reason, we recommend reinstating the two-dose schedule in our national vaccination program.

Keywords : Chickenpox, herpes zoster, vaccination in adolescence

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 2, 2026
Page : 48-50
https://doi.org/10.51271/JCOGP-0073
Article Information
Received : 16 Mar 2026
Accepted : 28 Nis 2026
Published : 30 Nis 2026
Corresponding Author :

Atilla Çifci: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Üsküdar University, İstanbul, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Çifci A. Chickenpox infection in adolescents. J Controv Obstetr Gynecol Ped. 2026;4(2):48-50. doi:10.51271/JCOGP-0073

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