What do current ACIP recommendations state about the varicella zoster vaccine?

The varicella zoster vaccine, which protects against chickenpox, is recommended to be administered in two doses: the first dose ideally between 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 to 6 years of age. This schedule is designed to ensure that children develop strong immunity to the varicella virus in early childhood, which is essential given the contagious nature of chickenpox and the potential for severe complications associated with the disease.

Setting the vaccination schedule to these specific ages allows for optimal immune response timing, as the immune system is more capable of developing a strong response to the vaccine when given within this window. Following this schedule also aids in achieving herd immunity within the population, reducing the incidence of the disease overall.

The other options do not align with the established guidelines. For instance, administering the vaccine at birth would be too soon for an effective immune response. Additionally, while individuals over 13 years old can receive only one dose if they have never had chickenpox or the vaccine previously, this is not the general recommendation. The vaccine is not specifically given alongside the hepatitis B vaccine as part of a standard schedule, since the timing of these vaccines varies depending on age and health considerations. Thus, the recommendation for the