Guidance

Varicella zoster immunoglobulin

Guidance on the use and ordering of varicella zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG).

From:
UK Health Security Agency
Published
14 September 2018
Last updated
11 April 2022 — See all updates

This publication was withdrawn on

For the latest information, please see the guidelines for post exposure prophylaxis for chickenpox and shingles.

Documents

[Withdrawn] Updated guidelines on post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for varicella/shingles: advice for health professionals (June 2019)

Ref: PHE publications gateway number GW-509

PDF, 882 KB, 19 pages

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[Withdrawn] Varicella zoster immunoglobulin clinical record form

Ref: UKHSA publication gateway number GOV-11393

MS Excel Spreadsheet, 137 KB

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[Withdrawn] Chickenpox (varicella-zoster) immunoglobulin guidance: August 2017

Ref: PHE publications gateway number: 2016365

PDF, 1.31 MB, 24 pages

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Details

Varicella zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) is a scarce blood product that is offered to individuals at high risk of severe chickenpox following an exposure.

Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is offered to individuals at high risk of severe chickenpox following an exposure. This includes immunosuppressed individuals, young babies in their first week of life and pregnant women.

In response to a significant shortage of VZIG in 2018 and a review by an expert working group convened by Public Health England (PHE), updated interim guidelines on PEP for high risk contacts were published in June 2019.

VZIG is recommended for susceptible women exposed in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and neonates. For women exposed from 20 weeks, antiviral agents or VZIG can be used. Antiviral agents are recommended for post-exposure prophylaxis for immunosuppressed individuals.

See the detailed guide above ‘Updated guidelines on post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for varicella/shingles (June 2019)’ for the latest information.

All requests for stock and advice about issuing VZIG should be directed to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Rabies and Immunoglobulin Service (RIgS).

Updates to this page

Published 14 September 2018
Last updated 11 April 2022 + show all updates

  1. Updated form.

  2. Updated varicella zoster immunoglobulin clinical record form.

  3. Updated varicella zoster immunoglobulin clinical record form.

  4. Added updated guidelines on post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for varicella/shingles: advice for health professionals (June 2019).

  5. First published.

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