Abstract
The Canadian Paediatric Society recently retired its statement (ID 94–04) detailing recommendations for the prevention and management of varicella (chickenpox). As a result, the Society does not have a statement directed specifically toward the vaccine prevention of varicella, although it has publicly supported the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) published in 1999 (1) and updated in 2002 (2). In recent years, new refrigerator-stable varicella vaccine products have become available and a few of the provinces and two territories have implemented universal vaccination programs for children after their first birthday. Pending the development of a full statement on the prevention of chickenpox in children, this interim statement and recommendation on the use of varicella vaccine was developed.