Varicella vaccine is recommended for household contacts of people who are immunocompromised.
Transmission of the varicella vaccine virus strain is extremely rare and is likely to cause only mild disease in the person who is immunocompromised (see Adverse events). This compares with the relatively high risk of severe varicella disease from exposure to wild-type varicella-zoster virus in people who are immunocompromised.10,11
If vaccinated people develop a rash, they should cover the rash and avoid contact with people who are immunocompromised for the duration of the rash.
Zoster immunoglobulin does not need to be given to an immunocompromised contact of a vaccinated person with a rash. This is because the disease associated with this type of transmission (should it occur) is expected to be mild. See Public health management.
