Prophylaxis of varicella in pediatric staff.

Varicella is an ubiquitous, highly contagious viral disease of childhood which may be severe in non immune adults and pregnant women. Pediatric staff is particularly at risk of nosocomial varicella and susceptible staff should be prospectively idenfitifed by serologic tests. A number of different approaches may be used to prevent disease depending on the at risk population and the preexposure or postexposure status. This article reviews and evaluates the different approaches to the prevention of varicella in pediatric staff.