The Safety of Oka Varicella in Children Prior to Solid Organ Transplantation

Inclusion Criteria: Children > 9 months of age and adolescents < 18 years of age. Pediatric transplant candidates who are in any of the following categories: listed to receive kidney, liver, heart, lung or other or solid organ transplantation in a Canadian transplant centre not yet officially listed, but are regarded by their physicians as transplant candidates by virtue of their underlying diseases No clinical history for varicella. Seronegative for antibodies to VZV except infants 9 - 12 months of age who may be seropositive due to maternal antibodies. Informed consent obtained Exclusion Criteria: Previous immunization with varicella vaccine. Any established immune deficiency (underlying disease or drug induced) or any neoplastic disease Children on any oral and / or intravenous steroids within 3 months prior to immunization. Children on inhaled corticosteroids in excess of 800 mcg of beclomethasone dipropionate ( or equivalent ) per day. Any exposure to varicella or herpes zoster in the previous 4 weeks involving household, playmate or hospital contacts. Inability to delay the transplantation for up to 6 weeks following the last varicella immunization. Presence of a person at increased risk for varicella infection in direct and unavoidable proximity with the vaccinees ( e.g. an immunocompromised sibling) Past history of varicella or known positive antibody titer for varicella except infants 9 - 12 months of ages who may be seropositive due to maternal antibodies Known hypersensitivity to any of the components of the vaccine, including neomycin and gelatin Patients whose mothers are known to be seronegative and plan to become pregnant in the subsequent three months Administration of VZIG or any other blood products in the previous six weeks (packed red blood cells excepted). Any significant infection and/or fever at the time of vaccination Any patient receiving or planning to receive salicylates in the six weeks after immunization Any patient who has received any live vaccine for 6 weeks or killed vaccine for 2 weeks prior to or after the scheduled VARIVAX™ vaccination.