Screening for chickenpox in the UK: evaluation of a pre-conceptual screening program.

The article evaluates a pre-conceptual screening program using serological testing for chickenpox in Great Britain. The varicella vaccine utilized in the screening program is safe in non-pregnant women and is effective in preventing chickenpox. The benefits of the program included prevention of maternal, fetal and perinatal chickenpox and avoidance of all the associated morbidity and mortality. There was also avoidance of the cost for diagnosis and treatment of the fetal/perinatal chickenpox.