The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, has recommended that US children be vaccinated against the chickenpox virus before entry to childcare facilities and elementary schools. In a report released May 28, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that states require children to have proof of chickenpox vaccination or have other evidence of immunity to the virus, such as a physician's diagnosis of the infection. The committee also recommended that states consider the same requirements for children entering middle school as a way to prevent older children from entering adulthood without immunity to the chickenpox virus, also known as the varicella virus.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 1999;48:1-5.

COMMENT: Another sad bit of news. One more vaccine that should be avoided and is bound to cause more problems than it solves.