Aplastic anemia following varicella vaccine

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2009 Aug;28(8):746-8. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e31819b6c1f.

Abstract

Varicella zoster vaccine is a safe vaccine that is rarely associated with life-threatening complications. We describe an immunocompetent child who developed transient severe aplastic anemia concomitant with a typical clinical and laboratory-proven chickenpox syndrome 3 weeks after immunization. A causative association between the vaccine and the hematologic disease is possible, and pediatricians should be aware of this severe although rare adverse event.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Aplastic / drug therapy
  • Anemia, Aplastic / etiology*
  • Anemia, Aplastic / immunology
  • Anemia, Aplastic / pathology
  • Chickenpox Vaccine / administration & dosage
  • Chickenpox Vaccine / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Infant
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Serologic Tests

Substances

  • Chickenpox Vaccine