A recent review highlights the importance of routine vaccination and prompt antiviral treatment in reducing severe outcomes of varicella-zoster virus in children, especially newborns and high-risk groups.
A March 2025 narrative review in the Indian Journal of Paediatric Dermatology says children with varicella-zoster virus usually develop mild illness, but some cases can turn dangerous quickly, especially in newborns and other high-risk patients. The review, by Uwe Wollina and colleagues, argues that routine vaccination and faster use of antiviral treatment remain the strongest tools for preventing severe outcomes.
The authors found that herpes zoster in children is uncommon, with a documented incidence of 0.45 cases per 1,000 children under 14. They also cited data showing that neonatal varicella pneumonitis can carry mortality of up to 30% in infants younger than 6 months, underscoring why prevention matters more than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
Public health guidance backs that emphasis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the varicella vaccine in 2 doses, with the first given at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years. The CDC, along with medical references from MedlinePlus, Mayo Clinic and others, says side effects are usually mild and that vaccination helps prevent serious complications.
For children who do become ill, the review says intravenous aciclovir is the gold-standard treatment and works best when started within 72 hours of a rash appearing. The authors say that prompt treatment can help limit cerebrovascular complications and post-herpetic neuralgia, while continued monitoring is needed because the duration of vaccine-derived protection is still not fully understood.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
