The Varicella zoster virus is a human pathogen which
causes Varicella after primary infection and herpes zoster after
secondary reactivation. Both disease manifestations can occur at
any age; however, Varicella is seen more commonly in children
whilst herpes zoster is mainly observed in the elderly. Although
uncommon, disease complications secondary to Varicella may
be severe and life-threatening especially at the extremes of age,
during pregnancy and in the immunocompromised. Attenuated
Varicella vaccines have been successfully formulated to prevent
Varicella and its complications and are part of the routine
childhood immunisation programmes in several countries
including the US, Canada, Germany and Australia. This review
discusses the epidemiology of Varicella, the clinical presentation
and management of Varicella zoster virus infections and the
potential of preventing Varicella and herpes zoster through
immunisation.