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Since Jan. 1, over 200 suspect cases of varicella have been reported to MDH. This is higher than any January to March period since 2013. The increase in cases is likely due to multiple factors including improved reporting and higher rates of disease due to declining varicella vaccination rates and subsequent increased transmission within communities with low vaccination coverage rates.
There have been six confirmed outbreaks this year. A varicella outbreak is defined as three or more cases that are known to be epidemiologically linked (i.e., linked by place and time). In two of the school-based outbreaks, the median age was 9 years. Only 15% of the suspect cases were vaccinated for varicella.
Laboratory testing is important for confirming suspect varicella. Before varicella vaccine was introduced, clinical diagnosis based on rash appearance was a reliable and accurate way to identify varicella. Now, clinical diagnosis without confirmatory testing is not sufficient. Breakthrough varicella, which usually has a modified and mild presentation, is more likely to be mistaken for other rash illnesses. Newer clinicians are less familiar with identifying varicella. Also, we have seen an increased use of telehealth and virtual visits, which do not always provide the best visual representation of rashes.
Lab confirmation supports public health efforts to effectively prevent and control outbreaks, allows clinicians to recommend appropriate symptom relief and care, and minimizes days of school and/or work missed for the affected patient or family.
To learn more about varicella testing, including how to collect a specimen for cases who do not develop a vesicular rash, visit Laboratory Testing for Varicella (Chickenpox) and Zoster (Shingles). To review updated varicella statistics, visit Varicella (Chickenpox) and Zoster (Shingles) Statistics.
The Pregnancy and Vaccination webpage has been updated to include information for all vaccines recommended during pregnancy. The “Pregnancy and Vaccination Pocket Guide” which can be found on this webpage, has also been updated. This guide can assist providers with vaccination decisions prior to, during, and after pregnancy and in the baby’s first year. Please discard old copies of pocket guides and begin using the updated version. Laminated copies of the pocket guide can be ordered free of charge at Order Printed Immunization Materials.
Seventeen vaccine information statements (VISs) were revised on Jan. 31 to replace the words “persons”, “person” and “they” with the words “women”, “woman” and “she” in order to comply with the Jan. 20 presidential executive order. Learn more about the presidential executive order at The White House: Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government.
Each revised VIS is posted on the CDC: Vaccines & Immunizations: Current VISs page. Federal law allows up to 6 months for a new VIS to be used. For more information, visit Immunize.org: You Must Provide Patients with Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) - It's Federal Law! (PDF).
To ensure you are using the most recent VISs, visit Immunize.org: Dates of Current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) (PDF).
The following links include QR codes that will take you to the most the current VISs:
Translations of the newly revised VISs are not currently available. When a recipient needs translation, provide the out-of-date translation along with the current federal VIS in English, Immunize.org: VIS Translations Index.
MDH is requesting nominations for the 2025 national immunization champion award. This award honors one person in Minnesota for their exemplary work in fostering and promoting immunizations for children or adults in their community. Nominees can be leaders from health care, education, non-profits, the community, and other immunization partners. Self-nominations are welcome. Please share this information with your network and eligible immunization partners. Click the following links to learn more about past champions and their outstanding work:
For more information and the nomination form, visit Association of Immunization Managers: Immunization Champion Awards. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, May 9. Questions and completed nomination forms can be sent to Melody Doan at melody.doan.contractor@state.mn.us.
The recommendation for administration of nirsevimab (RSV monoclonal antibody for infants) ended on March 31. Most current doses will not expire at the end of this season and can still be used next fall. Check expiration dates and store any unused doses in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) to be used during the next RSV season.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting originally scheduled for February has been rescheduled to April 15 and 16. The agenda is available at CDC: ACIP: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The meeting will be open to the public via live webcast.
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