Word: varicella
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...researchers at Massachusetts Public Health Biological Laboratories have found a way to screen out and concentrate chicken pox antibodies from the blood of healthy people. The procedure is similar to that used to extract gamma globulin for treatment of those exposed to rabies and hepatitis. Called VZIG, for Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin, after the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles, the antiserum became available through the American Red Cross blood centers last week. The first supplies will go to vulnerable newborns and children with leukemia or weakened immune systems; a dosage provides immunity for about six weeks. But VZIG...