Varicella-Zoster Immunoglobulin

VZIG is given to all the babies who have been contacts who fit the following criteria:

All babies born at <28 weeks gestation or who weighed <1000g at birth irrespective of maternal history of chickenpox.
All babies born at ≥28 weeks gestation whose mothers have not had chickenpox or whose status is unknown.
- Do an urgent maternal VZV serology and only VZIG to the baby if the result is IgG negative.
Any baby whose mother has had chickenpox within 7 days before delivery or within 7 days after delivery.
Note: If a baby is born after 28 weeks gestation and the mother has had chickenpox then the baby is protected by the mother's antibodies and does not require VZIG.
VZIG must be given within 72 hours of exposure (maximum 96 hours).

Prescribing of VZIG

Step	Action
1	Doctor/NS-ANP contacts Medical Officer, New Zealand Blood Service (or "on call" transfusion specialist) to obtain approval to administer VZIG. The Medical Officer will then notify Blood Bank regarding issuing the VZIG.
2	Doctor/NS-ANP to chart on stat page of medication chart. Parent to consent by countersigning prescription following discussion with Doctor/NS-ANP.
3	VZIG is a blood product, therefore also need a consent form for Blood and Blood Products signed by parent.
4	Requisition form sent to Blood Bank for VZIG.

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