The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013

should be tested for varicella-zoster antibodies following contact with a person
with confirmed varicella. However, testing should not delay ZIG administration
after initial exposure to a case. 84-86
ZIG administration (preferably within 96 hours and up to 10 days after exposure)
is required for the following groups and should not be delayed by testing (if
indicated below):
• Pregnant women who are presumed to be susceptible to varicella infection.
If practicable, they should be tested for varicella-zoster antibodies before
ZIG is given. 5
• Neonates whose mothers develop varicella from 7 or fewer days before
delivery to 2 days after delivery. ZIG must be given, as the neonatal mortality
without ZIG is up to 30% in this setting. 1,7 ZIG must be given as early as
possible in the incubation period.
• Neonates exposed to varicella in the 1st month of life, if the mother has no
personal history of infection with VZV and is seronegative. 27 ZIG should
be given, due to the increased risk of severe varicella in newborns of
seronegative women.
• Premature infants (born at